Low-Temperature Mixed Sintering ofPb(Zr_1-xTi_x)O₃–Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃Ceramics and Their Pyroelectric Properties

Low-temperature mixed sintering in the preparation process of Pb(Zr1- x Ti x )O3–Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics has been examined. Dense composite ceramics having x=0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 with fine grains were obtained at firing temperatures from 900° C to 950° C by adding PbO as a lower-melting-point sintering aid. The pyroelectric coefficient of this mixed sintered ceramic fired at 900° C was above 60 nC/( cm2· K) in the temperature range of 15° C to 50° C. These low-temperature mixed sintering pyroelectric materials are very promising for use in the fabrication of highly sensitive infrared detectors.