Liquid-phase sintering of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 using PbO-WO3 additive

The objective of this work was to lower the sintering temperature of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) without reducing the piezoelectric performance. PZT was sintered using PbO-WO3 additive of eutectic composition, which assists the densification process by liquid-phase formation. Sintering was carried out from 1075 to 1125 degreesC between I and 4 h. Density, dielectric properties and piezoelectric properties were measured. Microstructure and fracture mechanism have been studied by SEM. At the mildest sintering conditions, the additive has a positive effect on dielectric and piezoelectric properties. The liquid-phase sintering leads to a denser material without additional grain growth. PZT with PbO-WO3 additive is mechanically weaker than pure PZT. The liquid phase leads to weaker grain boundaries and the material cracks in intergranular fracture, whereas pure PZT has a mixture of intergranular and transgranular fracture, and PZT sintered conventionally at 1260 degreesC has transgranular fracture. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.