Correlation between densification rate and microstructure evolution of mechanically activated BaTiO3

Abstract

Increasing demands on the quality of electronic ceramics requires a well-controlled correlation between particle morphology and processing conditions. Since mechanical activation is one of the methods for modification of physico-chemical properties of dispersed systems, in this study a correlation between the densification rate and microstructure evolution of mechanically activated BaTiO3 has been analyzed. The shrinkage behaviour of mechanically activated samples, sintered under non-isothermal conditions has been analyzed by a sensitive dilatometer. Densification rate as a function of relative density for different activation times has been calculated. Microstructure investigations of sintered samples were carried out, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The presented results enable establishing processing parameters that are indispensable for obtaining materials with advanced properties.