Synthesis of nanosize PZT powders by pulsed wire discharge

Nanosize ferroelectric powders of Pb(Zr,Ti)O/sub 3/ (PZT) have been successfully synthesized by pulsed wire discharge. This has been achieved by the evaporation of Pb, Zr, and Ti wires simultaneously. Since these metals have considerable difference at the boiling point, instant heating by using pulsed-power technology has a great advantage in producing mixed vapors consisting of the metals. Ferroelectrics have been obtained by subsequent heat treatment at 800/spl deg/C. A dense sintered body of Pb(Zr,Ti)O/sub 3/, with relative density of 95%, was obtained by the low temperature sintering at 800/spl deg/C for 30 min, possibly due to the large specific surface area (13.2 m/sup 2//g) of nanosize powders.