Sinterability Enhancement in Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramics Using Bi2O2 and Cu2O Additives

Abstract

The effects of Cu2 O and Bi2 O3 additives on the densification, phase formation and microstructure of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) were investigated. In this study, addition of both Cu2 O and Bi2 O3 to the PZT powder via conventional mixed-oxide techniques was examined. Before addition, PZT powder was calcined at 850 oC for 3 h. Concentration of the additive at 1 wt.% was selected. Sintering was carried out in the range 900-1200 o C for constant soaking time of 4 h. Microstructure, bulk density and phase analysis were carried out using XRD and SEM. High purity ceramics were identified by XRD results. SEM study of the ceramics obtained at the same sintering temperatures reveal denser bodies in those containing additives. Accordingly, high density ceramics can be obtained with 90.50% of the theoretical density after sintering at 1074 o C for 4 h with 1 wt.% Cu2 O. Clearly, introduction of Cu2 O and Bi2 O3 additives effectively induces a higher sinterability and reasonably good densification comparing to pure PZT.