Hot-pressed 9.5/65/35 PLZT prepared by the polymeric precursor method

A 9.5/65/35 PLZT ceramic with a Pb0.905 La0.095 (Zr0.65 Ti0.35)0.976 O3+3.5 w% PbO formula was prepared using the Pechini method for powder preparation and two-step sintering in an oxygen atmosphere. The first step consisted of sintering at 1200°C for 4 h with slow heating and cooling rates. The second step consisted of hot pressing at 1200°C for 4 h, with slow heating and cooling rates and pressing pressures of 20 MPa (initial pressure) and 40 MPa (at sintering temperature). Investigations were made of the powder phase formation and powder morphology, i.e. the structure of sintered and hot-pressed PLZT ceramics. SEM microstructural analyses were carried out on the sintering and hot-pressing processes.