A comparative analysis of NBT ceramics sintered via conventional and microwave methods

Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ (NBT) solid solution was synthesized by solid-state reaction route and sintering process was carried out using both conventional and microwave furnaces. Different characterizations were performed on the sintered ceramics by employing techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), LCR meter, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the radiant ferroelectric tester. From XRD study, it was found that single-phase ceramics can be obtained at lower processing temperature using microwave sintering technique. It was found that there was an increase in density in microwave sintered NBT ceramics as compared to conventional one. Average grain size of conventional sintered NBT ceramics was found to be larger due to higher soaking temperature and time. Microwave sintered NBT ceramics leads to higher densification, fine microstructure, low loss, and lower leakage current density in shorter duration of time over conventionally sintered counterparts.