Flux growth mechanisms of PZT cubic grains

Abstract Growth in a PbO flux is an appropriate method to synthesize large cubic grains of Pb(Zr x Ti 1−x )O 3 . An application could be PZT-based piezoceramics texturation. In order to optimize this synthesis, the flux synthesis has to be understood. In this study, water quenchings of PbO flux synthesis were realized at every stage of the thermal cycle including 6 steps. The oxide powders (PbO, ZrO 2 and TiO 2 ) were mixed and quickly heated up to 1200 °C for 2 h. The flux was then slowly cooled down to 900 °C for 10 h. Further cooling down to 750 °C was followed by a natural cooling to room temperature. SEM observations, X-EDS analysis and X-ray diffraction were performed on the PZT powders after each quench showing several specific growth sequences.