Microstructure and electrical properties of PLZT ceramics from Pb3O4 as the lead source

In this paper, Pb3O4, rather than conventional PbO, was introduced in the solid phase synthesis of (Pb0.92La0.08)(Zr0.35Ti0.65)0.98O3 (PLZT) ceramics. The microstructure and electrical properties of the PLZT ceramics were investigated. Results showed that due to the activity of Pb3O4, pyrochlore phase PLZT was depressed effectively. The PLZT ceramics with 5.0 wt.% excess Pb3O4 in the original materials had a well-crystallized pure perovskite structure when being sintered at 1100 °C for 6 h. In addition, the amount of Pb3O4 had an influence on the electrical properties of the PLZT ceramics. Residual polarization as high as 36.9 μC/cm2 was obtained from the samples with 5.0 wt.% excess Pb3O4.

Research highlights▶ Synthesis of PLZT using Pb3O4 to replace PbO as lead source. ▶ It is helpful to form perovskite PLZT due to the higher activity of the PbO which was decomposed from Pb3O4. ▶ Pure perovskite PLZT was obtained by optimizing the content of Pb3O4 in the original materials. ▶ Ferroelectric properties were enhanced by using Pb3O4 rather than PbO as lead source.