Homogenization of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 by use of molten phase

A method for a homogenization of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT) was developed. Powders of PbO and TiO2 were added into a powder of PZT prepared by the ordinary method. This mixture was heated above the melting point of PbO for several periods of time. PbO and TiO2 formed a molten phase. After the heat treatment, it was quenched. PbO phase in the sample was removed by dissolving with acetic acid. The chemical homogeneity of the PZT phase was figured out using βcosθ vs. sinθ plots. This analysis showed that the chemical homogeneity in the PZT phase was improved very quickly.