Production and properties of ceramics of lead containing niobates

Abstract Ceramic solid solutions of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3 (PMN-PSN) and PhZn1/3Nb2/3O3-PhSc1/2Nb1/2O3 (PZN-PSN) have been obtained as a single phase compositions of perovskite structure amount of pyrochlore phase being less than 5%. Only the hot pressed solid solution compositions appear to be transparent (transmittance of 50% in the case of best specimens). Ceramic, dielectric, piezoelectric and electrooptical properties have been measured and DTA, X-ray diffraction and microstructure examined. Solid solutions of PMN-PSN are completely soluble in each other and limited for PZN-PSN. It is not possible to obtain PZN and solid solutions with more than 0.6 mol. ratio of PZN. It contain the pyrochlore phase or mainly consists of that.