PZT-type ceramics doped with manganese, antimony, lanthanum and tungsten - technology and physical properties

Abstract

The work three ceramic compositions based on PbZr0.49Ti0.51O3 doped with manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), lanthanum (La) and tungsten (W) were obtained. The introduction of a set of admixtures was aimed at improving the sinterability of ceramic materials and optimizing its electrophysical parameters. Multi-component materials of the PZT-type with a general formula: Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.94Mn0.021Sb0.016LayWzO3 (where y from 0.008 to 0.012 and z from 0.012 to 0.014) were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide method. After mixing and drying the powder mixtures were calcined in air at 850°C for 4 h, while densification of the powders was carried out by the free sintering method at 1150°C for 2 h. The final steps of technology were grinding, polishing, annealing and putting silver paste electrodes onto both surfaces of the samples for electrical testing. XRD, SEM, EDS, dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric properties and DC electrical conductivity of the obtained ceramic compositions were carried out. X-ray tests of the crystal structure conducted at room temperature have shown that all obtained the PZT-type materials were a single phase (perovskite type) without the presence of a foreign phase. Symmetry of the crystal lattice was identified as space group P4mm. Temperature dielectric studies have shown high values of dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss. The presented physical properties of ceramic samples based on PZT confirm their predisposition for application in modern microelectronic and cromechatronic applications.