The effect of Li2CO3 addition on the structural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PZT ceramics

A detailed systematic study of the effect of Li2CO3 addition on the structural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the PZT (Zr/Ti =50/50) ceramics in the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region was carried out. The addition of Li2CO3 in the PZT system resulted in the improved sinterability and densification of the ceramics. 0.2 wt% Li2CO3 addition was found to be optimum for obtaining better dielectric and piezoelectric properties in the PZT ceramics. It was further seen that the addition of Li2CO3 shifted the MPB of the ceramics towards the tetragonal phase. The Zr/Ti ratio was hence, varied to regain the MPB in the PZT ceramics with an intention to obtain superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties.