COLLOIDAL PROCESSING OF PbZr1-xTixO3 THIN FILMS

The synthesis of PbZr1-xTixO3 (x between 0 and 1) perovskite films from solution was investigated. Colloidal solutions were obtained using lead acetate and metal butoxides. The role of chemical modifiers such as acetylacetone and of the hydrolysis ratio are described. Both have an effect on the gelation and on the behaviour during thermal decomposition (DSC-TG). The growth of the colloidal particles (studied by light scattering) and the thermal decomposition of the xerogels were studied as a function of x in order to compare the reactivities of the precursors. Sols yielding good rheological properties as well as a low densification temperature (680 C) were prepared. They allow the synthesis of thin ferroelectric films by the spin-coating technique. 25 refs.