Stabilization of the perovskite phase and dielectric properties of ceramics in the Pb(Zn/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/-BaTiO/sub 3/ system

The formation of a pyrochlore structure phase is a major problem in the preparation of Pb(Zn/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/ (PZN) based ceramics since its presence is detrimental to the dielectric and piezoelectric properties. An analysis of electronegativity difference and tolerance factor of several ABO/sub 3/ type of compounds shows that BaTiO/sub 3/ is an excellent additive to stabilize perovskite phase in PZN, and the present experiments show that 6 to 7 mol% of BaTiO/sub 3/ stabilizes perovskite structure in PZN. Phase relations, ceramic preparation procedure, and dielectric properties of compositions in the PZN-BT system are presented. Curie temperatures of the compositions in this system range between - 1300 to 1400C. Compositions suitable for capacitor application have been identified