Preparation of (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics using colloidal processing and the field induced strain properties

A two-step wet chemical method using colloidal processing was developed for the preparation of (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics. The precursor B site was prepared by coprecipitation and precursor A site was introduced in the form of aqueous solution. Dried gel calcined at 600°C for 2 h formed single perovskite phases. Submicron powders were obtained by planetary ball milling. Average grain size about 4 μm and relative density of 98% were achieved from disc specimens sintered at 1100°C for 2 h. An antiferroelectric double polarization hysteresis loop with antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase revert electric field EAFE-FE=4.3 kV/mm and a strain curve with maximum longitude strain of 0.30% under 6 kV/mm electric field were measured from composition of (Pb0.97La0.02) (Zr0.65Sn0.25 Ti0 10)O3.