Fabrication of PZT Ceramics from Zr0.53Ti0.47O2 Solid Solution

PZT-53/47 ceramics were fabricated from PbO and Zr0.53Ti0.47O2 solid solution synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Mixed powders constituted a perfect perovskite structure at 650°C. Calcined powders were ground to submicronmeter by planetary ball milling with PSZ balls 1 mm in diameter. Densification characteristic and grain growth were examined as a function of firing temperature. Dense ceramics were obtained at a low firing temperature of 800°C, and it was clear that (ZrTi)O2 solid solution was suitable for fabrication of the dense PZT with small grains. The piezoelectric coupling factor of the ceramics sintered at 850°C was 0.6. Based on the experimental results, microstructural parameters influencing on piezoelectricity are discussed.