Abstract
The sol–gel process was employed to prepare (Pb
1−
x
La
x
)(Zr
1−
y
Ti
y
)O
3 (PLZT) ceramics with nominal composition (Pb
0.92La
0.08)(Zr
0.60Ti
0.40)O
3. X-ray diffraction results showed that the perovskite PLZT phase is formed at room temperature itself. The average size distribution of the particles was obtained by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Nano-crystalline particles with a size of the order of ∼30
nm were found. Morphological studies were carried out by SEM analyses to observe the grain structure. TG–DTA and DSC studies were used to analyze the thermal properties of the nano-powders, in order to understand the reaction kinetics in them. Poled bulk ceramic samples prepared from the sol–gel derived powders were subjected to electrical measurements, in order to determine the piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling coefficients.