Investigation and characterization of La-doped PZT nanocrystalline ceramic prepared by mechanical activation route

Nanoceramic comprising of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) with Pb1−xLax(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 where x = 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07 was successfully synthesized using mechanical activation method. The material was characterized for DT/TGA and TEM studies. A pyrochlore-free single phase of PZT was obtained, for the powder calcined at 850 °C for 2 h. XRD data has revealed the formation of pervoskite PZT phase. During the process a substantially dense PZT (theoretical density ∼97%) was obtained indicating the finer microstructure leading nanometric particle size. This was subsequently proved by recording the SEM micrographs. The samples were analyzed for their dielectric and piezoelectric properties, which were comparable to the powder processed by other routes. This study suggests the usefulness of the synthesis (sintering at lower temperature −1175 °C) of La-doped PZT by mechanical activation route.