Effect of the firing temperatures on the phase formation, microstructure and electrical properties of BaTi_0.91 Sn_0.09O₃ ceramics synthesized via the solid state combustion method

Abstract

BaTi_0.91Sn_0.09O₃ (BTS) ceramics were synthesized by the solid state combustion method with glycine as the reducting agent and metal nitrates as the oxidants. The calcination and sintering temperatures were in the range of 1200 °C–1300 °C and 1300 °C–1450 °C, respectively, for 2 h. Pure perovskite powders were obtained from the samples calcined at ≥1275 °C for 2 h. The crystal size calculated by Scherrer equation was in the range of 22–30 nm. XRD results of the sintered ceramics showed the coexistence of the tetragonal (T) and orthorhombic (O) phases in all samples, and were confirmed by Rietveld refinement. The grain sizes increased from 9.04 to 29.83 µm when the sintering temperatures increased from 1300 °C–1450 °C for 2 h. The highest density (5.95 g⋅cm⁻³), large piezoelectric strain (d₃₃* = 830 pm/V) and best dielectric constant (ε_r = 14841) were obtained from the sample sintered at 1350 °C for 2 h. This study clearly demonstrates the potential of the solid state combustion method for producing high density and good dielectric properties in BTS ceramics.

Keywords:

• BTS ceramics
• perovskite phase
• combustion method
• physical properties
• electrical properties

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University for their supporting facilities. Thanks are also given to Dr. Kyle V. Lopin for his help in editing the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was support by Naresuan University.