Effect of phosphorus addition on the sintering and dielectric properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3

It has been found that the sintering temperature of piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) can be reduced by phosphorus addition without compromising the dielectric properties. A sintered density of 98.6% of the theoretical density was obtained for 2 wt.% P2O5 addition after sintering at 1050 °C for 4 h. The P2O5 addition, either above or below 2 wt.%, showed an inferior densification. Coincidentally, the P2O5 addition gave rise to a lower lead loss, and the dielectric constant showed a peak at 1 wt.% P2O5 addition.