Molten salt synthesis of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate stannate powders and ceramics

Powders and ceramics with a composition (Pb0.97La0.02) (Zr0.66Sn0.27Ti0.07)O-3 were prepared by the molten salt synthesis (MSS) method, using Li2SO4-Na2SO4 and NaCl-KCl eutectic mixtures as the flux. The influences of processing parameters, such as temperature, time, and type of molten salts, on the formation and sinterability of PLZST were investigated. XRD and SEM were used for characterization of the as-prepared powders and ceramics. It was found that the PLZST powders and ceramics obtained by the MSS method have a relatively uniform particle size and microstructure. With other conditions being kept the same, chloride flux is preferential to the formation of tetragonal perovskite structure PLZST. The compact PLZST ceramics can be obtained at 1150 degrees C by MSS method, and then their dielectric properties are excellent. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.