Pb(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 powders and porous ceramics prepared by one-step pyrolysis process using non-aqueous Pechini method

Using non-aqueous Pechini method, Pb(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O-3 powders were prepared at low temperature by one-step pyrolysis process. The polymeric gels and powders were characterized using a range of techniques, such as DTG, XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy. and laser particle size distribution. The perovskite phase was formed at about 350-400 degrees C and some oxocarbonate impurities can be detected in all samples after calcining at 400-850 degrees C by one-step pyrolysis process. Phase pure and porous Pb(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O-3 ceramics were obtained without pore formers from the powders by one-step pyrolysis process at 500 degrees C for 4 h. The relative densities were 97%, 91% and 94% for the ceramics sintered at 1100, 1150 and 1200 degrees C for 2 h, respectively. The porous ceramics sintered at 1200 degrees C for 2 h have homogeneously dispersed pores and fine-grain structures with an individual grain size of 0.7-2 mu m. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.