Microwave‐Assisted Reaction Sintering of Bismuth Titanate‐Based Ceramics

Bismuth titanate‐based ceramics, pure and doped with 5 mol% WO 3 , 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 WO 3 ‐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.