RAPID SINTERING OF STOICHIOMETRIC ZINC-MODIFIED LEAD MAGNESIUM NIOBATE

A rapid thermal‐processing technique was used to densify zinc‐modified lead magnesium niobate (PMZN30) of the form Pb(Mg0.7Zn0.3)1/3Nb2/3O3. This dielectric composition showed relaxor behavior with a maximum permittivity near room temperature. Rapid densification was observed at temperature. Rapid densification was observed at temperatures of 1100°C and above, whereas lower temperatures showed a significant reduction of densification and electrical properties. A sintering schedule of 4 min at 1100°C with no prevention of PbO volatilization resulted in densification on the order of 90% of theoretical density and a weak field dielectric constant in excess of 14 000. Perovskite grain size was consistently in the range of 1 μm or less. The formation of pyrochlore on sample surfaces showed a direct relation to time and temperature. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved