Multi-component PZT ceramics obtained by mechanochemical activation and conventional ceramic technology

In the paper, the multi-component PZT-type ceramics doped with Mn4+, Sb3+, W6+ and Ni2+ were investigated. The following chemical composition was selected: Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.94Mn0.01Sb0.03W0.015Ni0.01O3. The ceramic powders were synthesized by two methods: (i) the classical technological method using powder calcination and (ii) mechanochemical synthesis at room temperature. Densification of the powders (sintering) was carried by free sintering method. In the case of the mechanochemical activation, the development of the synthesis has been monitored by XRD and SEM investigations after different milling periods (25 h, 50 h and 75 h). From the obtained powder, the bulk ceramic samples have been prepared by uniaxial pressing and subsequent sintering. The ceramic multi-component PZT-type samples were characterized in wide temperature range by DTA, TG, DC electrical conductivity, XRD, SEM and EDS (energy-dispersive spectrometry) methods, and their ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were studied. At the work, a comparison of test results for samples obtained by two methods was made. The X-ray investigations confirmed that the obtained material exhibits a perovskite-like structure with a tetragonal phase (close to the morphotropic area). The detailed results of the multi-component PZT-type ceramics predispose these materials in microelectronic applications, for example, as element of the actuators and piezoelectric transducers. The application of the mechanochemical synthesis to obtain the PZT-type materials allows to shorten the time of the technological process, and at the same time not to reduce the electrophysical properties of ceramic samples.