Fluctuatuion of composition of Pb(Zrsub(x)Tisub(1-x))O3

The extent of fluctuation of composition x in Pb(Zrsub(x)Tisub(1-x))O3 system prepared by firing intimate mixtures of the constituent oxides, PbO, ZrO2 and TiO2 was determined quantitatively by means of X-ray powder diffractometry. In the region of tetragonal structure of Pb(Zrsub(x)Tisub(1-x))O3 system, the lattice constant along a-axis increased as the composition x increased, while that along c-axis remaind nearly constant regardless of x. Line broadening of X-ray diffraction pattern of Pb(Zrsub(0.3)Tsub(0.7))O3, as an example, indicated that Δa/a was large whereas Δc/c asymptotically equals 0. These facts are well interpreted in terms of inhomogeneous distribution of parameter x in the material. The highest- and lowest-limits of x were determined from the correlation of Δa/a values and lattice constant with x. The actual ranges of x in the ''PZT'' materials prepared by solid-state reaction were determined as functions of temperature and duration of the heat treatments. (auth.)