Post-sintering annealing effect on the diffuse phase transition in (Pb <inf>1-x</inf>Ba<inf>x</inf>)(Yb<inf>0.5</inf>Ta<inf>0.5</inf>)O<inf>3</inf> ceramics

The effect of post sintering annealing on the dielectric response of (Pb1-xBax)(Yb0.5Ta0.5)O3 ceramics in the diffuse phase transition range (x=0.2) has been investigated. The samples are prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The samples are sintered at 1300 °C for 2 h and annealed at different temperatures (800, 900 and 1000 °C) for 8 h and at 800 °C for different time durations (8, 12 and 24 h). A significant change in the dielectric response has been observed in all the samples. The dielectric constant increases remarkably and the dielectric loss tangent decreases. The dielectric peaks of the annealed samples are observed to be more diffused with noticeable frequency dispersion compared to the as sintered sample. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.