Preparation of PZN–PT–BT ferroelectric ceramics by modified two-step method

Abstract

Based on the columbite route proposed by Swartz and Shrout, pure perovskite 75Pb(Zn 1/3Nb 2/3)O 3–10PbTiO 3–15BaTiO 3 solid solution ceramics are synthesized by the modified two-step method. The ZnNb 2O 6 and PbO by the molar ratio 1:3.05 were ball-milled and then pre-reacted at 660 °C for 1–2 h. This pre-reacted mixture was wet mixed with the corresponding amounts of PbO, TiO 2 and BaCO 3 powders, and ball-milled and dried again. Then, the samples were sintered in a double sealed Al 2O 3 crucible at temperature ranging from 1060 °C to 1140 °C for 2 h. Although there is not any perovskite phase in the precursor powder analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the ceramics specimens sintered at temperatures from 1060 °C to 1140 °C for 2 h were 100% perovskite phase. The dielectric properties of 75Pb(Zn 1/3Nb 2/3)O 3–10PbTiO 3–15BaTiO 3 ceramics were discussed in terms of sintering temperature and soak time.