Phase Structure and Property Evaluation of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Sn)O3 Sintered with Li2CO3 Addition at Low Temperature

A series of Li2CO3-added (Ba0.95Ca0.05)(Ti0.90Sn0.10)O-3 (BCTS) ceramics were prepared by normal sintering at a low temperature of 1300 degrees C; Their microstructure and electrical property evaluation were investigated with special emphases on the effect of Li2CO3 addition. Adding Li2CO3 significantly improves the sinterability of BCTS ceramics, resulting in a reduced sintering temperature by more than 150 degrees C. The coexistence of R and T phases is confirmed by the Raman spectrum at room temperature for all samples and at a temperature range from -80 degrees C to 40 degrees C for sample with 3% mol Li2CO3 addition. The specific ratio of R to T phase decreases with increasing temperature or Li2CO3 addition. A higher er is observed in T phase compared to R phase in the studied BCTS system. Better properties with d(33) = 485 pC/N, k(p) = 39%, and Q(m) = 191 were obtained for BCTS sample with 3% mol Li2CO3 addition, which is attributed to the increased grain size and density along with the variation in the specific ratio of R to T phase.