Microstructure and electrical properties of (Pb0.87Ba0.1La0.02)(Zr0.68Sn0.24Ti0.08)O3 anti-ferroelectric ceramics fabricated by the hot-press sintering method

(Pb0.87Ba0.1La0.02)(Zr0.68Sn0.24Ti0.08)O3 anti-ferroelectric ceramics with various amounts of excess PbO have been fabricated by the conventional solid-state reaction process and the hot-press sintering method, and the dependence of microstructure, ferroelectric and dielectric properties on sintering approaches and lead volatilization conditions has been studied. When an appropriate quantity of excess PbO is added, the lead volatilization effect can be compensated and the content of pyrochlore phase is decreased. Hot-pressed anti-ferroelectric ceramics exhibit much higher densities than conventionally sintered samples. The spontaneous polarization and maximum dielectric constant of the AFE ceramics decrease when the hot-press sintering method is used. The dielectric loss can be obviously reduced by using the hot-press sintering method and adding a proper amount of excess PbO. The systemic investigation of the lead volatilization effect and the hot-press sintering method will contribute to the development of high properties of anti-ferroelectric ceramics in practical applications.