Slip casting of submicron BaTiO3 produced by low-temperature aqueous synthesis

Two submicron BaTiO3 powders of different stoichiometries, prepared by an aqueous method have been characterized and submitted to chemical, thermal and mechanical treatments in order to optimize the processing conditions. Acid cleaning at different pH values, calcinations at different temperatures and ultrasonication were performed. The resulting powders were characterized by TGA, SEM, specific surface area, XPS and particle size analysis. Fired samples were obtained via slip casting and isothermal or non-isothermal sintering. Densification was studied by dilatometric measurements. Acid cleaning treatments caused desintering phenomena and low fired density, while high density samples with an homogeneous fine grained microstructure were obtained from powders calcined at 950° C.