The effect of firing temperatures on (Pb0.75Ba 0.25)(Zr0.70Ti0.30)O3 ceramics prepared via the combustion technique

The (Pb0.75Ba0.25)(Zr0.70Ti 0.30)O3 (PBZT) ceramics were prepared via the combustion technique. (CO(NH2)2) was used as a fuel. The effect of firing temperature on PBZT's phase formation, microstructure and electrical properties were investigated. The calcination and sintering temperatures were 600°C-1000°C and 1100°C-1300°C. The pure rhombohedral perovskite was obtained from the powders calcined at 850°C. The average particle size tended to increase with increased calcination temperatures. A pure rhombohedral perovskite phase was found in all pellet samples. The average grain size and linear shrinkage tended to increase from 0.57 to 2.15 μm and from 6.8 to 15.8% with increased sintering temperatures. The dielectric results indicated the relaxer behavior of PBZT ceramics. The Curie temperature tended to decrease with increasing sintering temperatures. The highest density (∼7.39 g/cm ³) and highest dielectric constant (∼8620) were obtained by using the combustion technique which was higher than the conventional mixed oxide method. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.