Microwave Sintering of BaTiO₃-Based Ceramics

Abstract

The feasibility of microwave sintering of BaTiO3-based ceramics was examined and the conditions for a homogeneous sintering for microwave heated samples were ascertained.A comparative study of microwave sintering and conventional sintering was undertaken to determine differences in shrinkage behavior and microstructure development. All microwave sintered ceramics showed an enhanced shrinkage during the solid state sintering stage and in particular in the case of Cu-doped samples (secondary phase promoted microwave sintering) a lowering in sintering temperature was observed.