Synthesis of Nanostructured PZT Ceramics with Powder Obtained from Coprecipitate Method

Abstract

Ceramics of Pb1.02(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3(PZT) comprise the majority of piezoelectric devices in use today. In general, these ceramics are obtained by solid-state reaction, which favors the formation of micrometric grains. Recent studies have shown that reducing the particle size from micro to nanoscale, it generates PZT ceramics with superior dielectric properties. In this way, this study aimed to obtain nanostructured PZT ceramics from the coprecipitate method, using precursor materials as oxides reagents. From the Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was observed that the formation of PZT through the proposed methodology is initiated at 550oC. However, the full phase crystallization was observed at 850oC confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Spherical particles near 200nm were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This powder was sintered in conventional and microwave oven. The ceramics obtained from both sintering methods showed substantial differences in microstructure such as presence of piroclore phase and grain morphology.