Mechanical activation-assisted synthesis of Nd-BaPbO3

Fifty hours of mechanical activation of mixed oxides at room temperature did not trigger the formation of Nd-BaPbO3(BPO) in the existence of excessive PbO, but decreased the synthesis temperature of the BPO. The crystalline of the activation-derived perovskite BPO phase. was further established when the activated mixture was subjected to calcination at 650 degreesC. The perovskite phase was sintered to a density of 98% of theoretical value at 980 degreesC for 2 h. The sintered BPO with 0.1% Nd doped exhibits a resistivity of 2 x 10(-4) Omega(.)cm and an excellent PTC effect at Curie temperature of 750 degreesC.