Combustion synthesis and characterization of spherical PZT powder

A simple and effective method for the synthesis of PZT powder is reported. Fine spherical powders of PZT [Zr]/[Ti]=52/48 in mol ratio were prepared by solid-state combustion synthesis method based on the reaction of Pb3O4, ZrO2, and TiO2, activated by KClO3+1.5C mixture. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and LPSA methods. The PZT powder consists of nearly homogenous and spherical grains with an average diameter of 1 μm. An approximate explanation of spherical shape formation is proposed.