Microstructural, dielectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of chemically derived modified lead titanate

Chemical coprecipitation and gel processing techniques have been used to synthesize precursor powders of a modified lead titanate composition. The effects of powder processing parameters and sintering conditions on the microstructure and dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties of the products are discussed. Powders and products produced by the conventional attrition milling process are compared to those produced by chemical processing techniques. It is found that, among the three processing methods considered (gel, coprecipitation, and attrition milling), gel processing provides the most reactive precursor powders. SEM (scanning electron microscope) studies indicate that, compared with conventional attrition milling, the chemically derived powders contain highly agglomerated large particles when heat treated to 750°C. However, the chemically derived material can easily be crushed to yield a submicron particle size that can provide high-density sintered disks. The dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties are also significantly influenced by the methods used to produce the precursor powders