Synthesis and characterization of microwave sintered ferromagnetic-ferroelectric perovskite composites

Composites based on ferromagnetic ferroelectric perovskites with a nominal composition, (1-x) La0.67Sr0.33MnO3+x PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (x=0, 5,10 and 15 mol%) (LSMO-PZT) were synthesized using the wet chemical citrate sol gel process and sintered by a microwave technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed the existence of two distinct and unreacted phases of LSMO and PZT in the composites. Transmission electron microscopy of the pristine samples revealed particles sizes in the range 22-58 nm. Electrical resistivity studies were undertaken over a temperature range, 100-300 K and it showed that the metal insulator transition temperature (T-P) decreased and the resistivity increased with increasing PZT concentration. Elastic moduli increased with increasing PZT concentration, suggesting that the addition of PZT improves the strength of the materials, which is needed when these materials are used for practical applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.