Bismuth titanate from nanocomposite and sol-gel processes

Phase pure bismuth titanate was prepared at 750°C from the corresponding hydroxide precursors. Sintering behavior of this powder was evaluated in comparison with powder obtained from a sol-gel process. A maximum of about 87% of the theoretical density was achieved for sintered ceramics processed from powders prepared by the above two methods. Microstructural studies revealed large grains as well as grains less than 1 μm in size, the latter forming typical platelets characteristic of bismuth titanate.