Influence of particle size and structure of ZrO₂ on microstructure development and dielectric constant of PbZr_0.5Ti_0.5O₃

The synthesis of PbZr_0.5Ti_0.5O₃ ceramics from the raw materials was reinvestigated in order to find relations in the characterizations for the products in various stages of the preparation procedure. Techniques used were particle size measurements, X-ray powder diffractometry, density and dielectric constant measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The results show, that the particle size and structure of ZrO₂ determine the inhomogeneity, expressed as xTxR, of the calcination product. An inhomogeneous calcination product sintered at relatively low temperatures results in an inhomogeneous ceramic of low density. Using high sintering temperatures and long periods of time an inhomogeneous calcination product converts into a dense (>97%) and homogeneous ceramic.