Processing of thermally stable doped perovskite PZT ceramics

In this paper, various methods of synthesizing lead zirconium titanate (PZT) ceramics with high Curie temperature (Tc) and thermal stability are discussed. Perovskite PZT variants were synthesized from stoichiometric oxide ratios of Pb, Zr, Ti and dopant element. The oxide powders were mixed mechanically and calcinated, and then sintered for the desired perovskite phase to form. Varied mixing and sintering parameters allowed investigation of the optimum settings required for proper densification with enhanced material properties. The piezoelectric properties and relative permittivity of doped PZT ceramics were analyzed using the resonant frequency method. Pure and Mg-doped PZT samples were subjected to thermal shock and cyclic test and the material properties of these samples were compared to verify the extent of degradation. Results were investigated for PZT ceramics’ viability in high temperature applications. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to evaluate the Tc for various dopants, and thus to identify the ideal dopant that yields highest Tc and operational temperature with appreciable piezoelectric properties.