PbIn_1/2Ta_1/2O₃ Synthesis Methods

This paper describes different lead indium tantalate synthesis methods: Pb₂InTaO₆ synthesis from oxides without stabilizing additives, via firing for 2–8 h, followed by quenching; hot pressing; synthesis with the use of an InTaO₄ precursor presynthesized at different temperatures; and synthesis of boron oxide-stabilized Pb₂InTaO₆. We have assessed the effect of mechanical activation on the synthesis of lead indium tantalate and the formation of its perovskite and pyrochlore phases during both mechanochemical synthesis and subsequent firing. The results demonstrate that the key factor for the synthesis is to properly choose conditions of starting mixture preparation for sintering. We have compared different starting mixture preparation procedures differing in the mechanical activation sequence and the conditions under which the reagents were added, and identified optimal conditions that enable the preparation of piezoceramics containing the largest amount of the perovskite phase and having the highest density.