FABRICATION AND PROPERTIES OF PLZT CERAMICS FROM SPRAY-DRIED AQUEOUS-SOLUTION

Abstract

PLZT ceramics with the composition of 9/62/38 (La/Zr/Ti) were fabricated from spray-dried aqueous solution. Complete crystallization of the spray-dried powder is achieved after 1 hr calcination at 650-degrees-C as compared to 800-degrees-C, 1 hr for conventional mixed-oxide method. Sintering environment plays an important role in the densification of PLZT ceramics. Densities of the atmosphere sintered samples are much higher than those of normal sintered ones. PLZT ceramics derived from spray-dried powders have properties comparable to those derived from sol-gel ones. The spray-dried method presents a less expensive and more effective approach in the synthesis of PLZT ceramics.