PLZT
PLZT is a lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O₃ ceramic densified to optical transparency and used for its strong electro-optic effect as well as for piezoelectric actuation.
Reference datasheet — PLZT is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the 9/65/35 condition
PLZT tempers and conditions
PLZT is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. 9/65/35 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9/65/35Default PLZT 9/65/35 | Choose the hot-pressed relaxor composition for optical shutters, modulators and goggles: relaxor at room temperature, no residual birefringence and a large Kerr effect, but limited to 80 °C. | 40 | 0.05 | 380 HV | 1 W/m·K | |
PLZT 8/65/35 | Choose when a latchable remanent polarization is needed at room temperature — optical and image storage, bistable light shutters — with the ferroelectric phase retained only to 110 °C. | 40 | 0.05 | 385 HV | 1 W/m·K | |
PLZT 9/65/35 HIP | Specify the hot isostatically pressed version when maximum transmission, minimum scattering and larger optical window sizes are needed, at 7.92 g/cm³ density and the highest cost. | 45 | 0.05 | 390 HV | 1 W/m·K | |
PLZT 2/95/5 | Pick for field-induced antiferroelectric–ferroelectric switching: low permittivity, high withstand voltage and large volume strain for energy storage, explosive-electric transduction and high-strain actuation to 180 °C. | 45 | 0.05 | 400 HV | 2 W/m·K |
What is PLZT?
PLZT is a lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O₃ ceramic densified to optical transparency and used for its strong electro-optic effect as well as for piezoelectric actuation. Compositions on file are 9/65/35, 9/65/35-HIP, 8/65/35 and 2/95/5, normally supplied as polished plates, windows and wafers with transparent ITO or Cr/Au electrodes. Maximum service temperature is 80 °C, and the material is lead-bearing, brittle and dependent on optical polishing plus AR coating, so cost and lead time are high. Where transparency is not required, conventional PZT is the cheaper actuator choice. PLZT has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 76% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,300°C (2,372 °F). PLZT has a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi), weaker than 70% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.05% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi).
What is PLZT used for?
- optical shutters
- electro-optic modulators
- flash-blindness goggles
- actuators
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 90/100, better than 78% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 80°C (176 °F), worse than 100% of ceramic grades
- Poor heat conductor — 1.3 W/m·K (0.751 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 94% of ceramic grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
- Low stiffness — 68 GPa (9.86 Msi), worse than 80% of ceramic grades
- Heavy — 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), worse than 76% of ceramic grades
PLZT properties
Typical room-temperature values for PLZT-9/65/35; bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical5
PLZT has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 76% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,300°C (2,372 °F).
Mechanical13
PLZT has a tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi), weaker than 70% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.05% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi).
Thermal5
PLZT is rated for continuous service to 80°C (176 °F). It conducts heat at 1.3 W/m·K (0.751 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 94% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 5 µm/m·K (2.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
PLZT is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 10 kV/mm (254 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 71% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PLZT takes about 100 MJ of energy and emits 9 kg of CO₂ — less than 55% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability3
PLZT's machinability is not recommended (8/100, better than 69% of ceramic grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the ceramic family
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade FabDigit runs. PLZT is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PLZT
Is PLZT easy to machine?
Machine only with diamond wheels or wire saws followed by lapping and polishing; sintered PLZT cannot be turned or milled. Thin plates chip readily, so use low feed rates and water cooling.
Can PLZT be welded?
Not weldable. Assemble to metals or optics with epoxy adhesive, glass solder, or by brazing to a metallised layer (Cr/Ni/Au or electroless Ni).
Can PLZT be formed, bent or molded?
Formed from co-precipitated or mixed-oxide powder by cold isostatic pressing, then densified by hot pressing or hot isostatic pressing in a PbO atmosphere; lead volatilisation and stoichiometry must be closely controlled.
PLZT chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| PbA-site host; (Pb0.91La0.09) for 9/65/35 | 55 – 61 | 58.3 |
| Ladopant level = first digit of grade (at% A-site substitution) | 1 – 5 | 3.9 |
| ZrB-site; Zr/Ti = 65/35 | 14 – 25 | 17.9 |
| TiB-site | 1 – 6 | 5.1 |
| Ooxygen site of the perovskite ABO3 lattice | balance |
What surface finishes work on PLZT?
Lap and polish both faces to λ/4 flatness and apply AR coatings; electrodes are usually sputtered transparent ITO or evaporated Cr/Au, and poled parts are aged below the Curie temperature to stabilise properties.
How much does PLZT cost?
PLZT is a high-cost ceramic ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PLZT — frequently asked
What is PLZT used for?
PLZT is typically used for optical shutters, electro-optic modulators, flash-blindness goggles and actuators. In short: transparent electro-optic PZT; optical-grade piezo ceramic; low 80 °C service limit.
What is the tensile strength of PLZT?
PLZT has a typical tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) — weaker than 70% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PLZT easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (8/100, better than 69% of ceramic grades). Machine only with diamond wheels or wire saws followed by lapping and polishing; sintered PLZT cannot be turned or milled. Thin plates chip readily, so use low feed rates and water cooling.
Can PLZT be welded?
Not weldable. Assemble to metals or optics with epoxy adhesive, glass solder, or by brazing to a metallised layer (Cr/Ni/Au or electroless Ni).
What surface finishes work on PLZT?
Lap and polish both faces to λ/4 flatness and apply AR coatings; electrodes are usually sputtered transparent ITO or evaporated Cr/Au, and poled parts are aged below the Curie temperature to stabilise properties.
Can PLZT be formed, bent or molded?
Formed from co-precipitated or mixed-oxide powder by cold isostatic pressing, then densified by hot pressing or hot isostatic pressing in a PbO atmosphere; lead volatilisation and stoichiometry must be closely controlled.
What is the maximum service temperature of PLZT?
PLZT is rated for continuous use to about 80°C (176 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does PLZT cost?
PLZT is a high-cost ceramic ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 4: Ceramics and Glasses — Electro-optic ceramics — ASM International (1991)
- Haertling, 'Ferroelectric Ceramics: History and Technology', J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 82[4] — American Ceramic Society (1999)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.