Using microwave for processing nanostructured PZT ceramics

The PZT ceramics have dielectric and piezoelectric properties of technological interest. The method of microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis becomes interesting since it occurs in a closed environment, the low temperature and time, compared to conventional methods. In this work, PZT powders were dissolved in acid medium, and by adjusting the pH of the solutions obtained were precipitated, subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 120 °C for intervals of 15, 30 and 60 min. The powders were characterized by differential thermal and gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results confirm the formation of PZT phase in one hour with particle size around 55 nm, showing the feasibility of the proposed method. (author)