Preparation and properties of Sol-Gel-derived PZT powders

Lead-zirconate-titanate powders (PZT, Pb(Zr sub 0.54 Ti sub 0.46)03 were produced by the sol-gel route via gelation of a soil, precipitation from a sol, and precipitation from an emulsion. The size of the colloidal particles in the sol, grain size of the powders and their specific surface areas were determined, and the development of the powder during pyrolysis and calcination was followed by infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffractometry. PZT was formed between 500 and 600 degree C regardless of the preparation technique and the difference in grain size and specific surface areas.