Diffuse phase transition in Cs-modified PLZT ferroelectrics

The polycrystalline samples of Pb-0.9(La1-z/3Csz)(0.1)(Zr0.53Ti0.47)(0.975)O-3 (z = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7) (referred as PLCZT) were prepared near morphotropic phase boundary through a chemical route (i.e. Pechini method). X-ray diffraction studies of these samples suggest the formation of good quality and homogenous compounds at relatively low temperatures ( similar to 800 degreesC). Detailed dielectric studies of the PLCZT compounds as a function of temperature [room temperature (30 degreesC) to 350 degreesC] in a low frequency region (100-10(4) Hz) show that these compounds can have diffuse phase transition with higher value of Cs concentration. Studies on electrical conductivity or resistivity (ac/dc) and piezo/pyroelectric properties provided some interesting physical parameters of the materials useful for devices. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.