Sol–Gel Coating of Powders for Processing Electronic Ceramics

A new technique (sol‐gel coating of powders) was utilized to process electronic ceramics such as Sb‐doped SnO 2 and positive‐temperature‐coefficient‐of‐resistance (PTCR) BaTiO 3 thermistors. Sol‐gel coatings resulted in the densification via a liquid phase of Sb‐doped SnO 2 powders. PTCR thermistors were developed from BaTiO 3 powders coated by a sol‐gel composition containing dopants ( Y ), counterdopants (Mn, F), and additives (Si) with uniform microstructures and improved properties. Incorporation of F via the sol‐gel coating increased the reliability of PTCR devices, making them less sensitive to reducing environments. This process may be extended to the processing of other electronic materials.