Synthesis of pyrochlore free PMN-PT powder by partial oxalate process route

Pyrochlore phase free PMN-PT powder of morphotrophic phase boundary (MPB) composition has been prepared using the partial oxalate method. The synthesis process has been optimized by thorough characterization of the intermediate compounds such as columbite and (Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.675 Ti0.325)O2 by XRD analysis, particle size analysis, surface area measurement and morphological studies. Lead oxalate produced by in situ precipitation in a suspension of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.675Ti0.325)O2 powder expected to coat on the particle surface, which improved the homogeneity of the precursors and resulted in the formation of pure PMN-PT phase during calcination at 750 °C. The PMN-PT powder contains more than 95% submicron particle with D50 0.4 μm. The process eliminates the formation of detrimental pyrochlore phase from the PMN-PT powder.