It has been found that the sintering temperature of piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3 (PZT) can be reduced by phosphorus addition without compromising the dielectric properties. A sintered density of 98.6% of the theoretical density was obtained for 2 wt.% P2O5 addition after sintering at 1050 degreesC for 4 h. The P2O5 addition, either above or below 2 wt.%, showed an inferior densification. Coincidentally, the P2O5 addition gave rise to a lower lead loss, and the dielectric constant showed a peak at 1 wt-% P2O5 addition. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.