Microwave-assisted reaction sintering of bismuth titanate-based ceramics

Bismuth titanate-based ceramics, pure and doped with 5 mol% WO3, were prepared by reaction-sintering using a microwave oven. High densities, >= 96% of theoretical density were achieved with very short thermal treatments, with soaking time ranging from 5 to 15 min. Relatively small platelet-like grains were formed, and microstructure seemed not to be strongly affected by doping nor soaking time. Electrical measurements were performed and, as expected, a decrease of electrical conductivity was observed in WO3-doped materials. The results of reaction-sintered samples, both conventional as well as microwave sintered, are compared with those of samples prepared with previously calcined powders and sintered using microwaves as well as a conventional electric furnace.