Composites of 0.9Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.1PbTiO3 prepared by a sol-gel method: effect of atmosphere powders

Dielectric and electrical properties of relaxor ferroelectric 0.9PMN-0.1PT ceramics prepared by a sol-gel method were investigated as a function of PbZrO₃ atmosphere powders. The proper amount of atmosphere powders led to better properties of dielectric constant, polarization, and strain by preventing PbO volatilization from ceramics. Excessive amount of atmosphere powder, however, resulted in aging characteristics such as decreases in dielectric constant and loss exhibiting saddle-shaped dielectric constant and loss vs. temperature curves. A propeller-shaped P-E hysteresis curve indicating aging characteristics was also observed when an excessive amount of atmosphere powder was used during sintering. The aging of ceramics caused by absorption of PbO into the ceramics resulted in decreased polarization and strain. These aging characteristics associated with defects by excessive PbO absorption could not be reversed even though the aged ceramics underwent a heat-treatment above the dielectric maximum temperature.