PLZT—Synthesis, sintering and ceramics microstructure

Producing of PLZT powders by original two-stage co-precipitation method from mixed solution of inorganic salts ZrOCl2·8H2O, TiCl4, La(NO3)3·6H2O, Pb(NO3)2, was carried out. The sequence of phases formed during PLZT synthesis has been studied by X-ray and DTA analysis. Ceramic samples were prepared by two-stage hot-pressing technology. Dielectric, ferroelectric and optical properties have been measured. Ceramic microstructures were studied by SEM with energy dispersive analytical capability (EDX). The fine-grained microstructure was quite uniform with the average grain size of 5–7 μm, without internal or grain boundary porosity. The optical transmittance of ceramic plates (thickness of 0.3 mm) measured at wavelength of 630 nm reached 67–69%.