Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate [PLZT (9/65/35)] thin films were prepared by dip-coating on Si (100) or Si/Ti/Pt (100) substrates using a polymeric precursor solution and annealed at 650 °C for 3 h. Perovskite phase formation of the PLZT thin films and microstructure were analysed using XRD and SEM. Effects of Si (100), Si/Ti/Pt (100) substrates and atmosphere on crystallization of PLZT thin films were studied. Films deposited on platinum coated silicon (100) show a heterogeneous surface with presence of bubbles. Otherwise, the PLZT (9/65/35) thin films deposited on silicon (100) substrate shows a more uniform surface after annealing in oxygen atmosphere.

Columbite route for synthesis of P3MgNb2O9 (PMN) allows the suppression of secondary phases in PMN powders. These phases, having low dielectric constant, affect negatively the dielectric properties of PMN ceramics. Aiming to get reactive PMN powders, the partial oxalate method was used to precipitate lead oxalate over MgNb2O6 particles. The columbite (NM) powders were prepared using polymeric precursor based on Pechini's method. Two processing routes were used to prepare PMN powders. In the first one the NM-lead oxalate co-precipitate was washed in water and ethanol and calcined at several temperatures. In the second route, the NM-lead oxalate co-precipitate was washed in water and isopropyl alcohol, ball milled for 30 min and calcined at several temperatures. The second route leads to practically pyrochlore free PMN. Powders morphologies observed by SEM showed the formation of agglomerates, which sizes depend on the processing route.