Abnormal grain growth and liquid-phase sintering in Sr0.6Ba0.4Nb2O6 (SBN40) ceramics

Ceramics of Sr0.6Ba0.4Nb2O6 (SBN40) were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide route. Sintering at temperatures ≥ 1260 °C led to rapid, non-uniform grain growth and a duplex microstructure. Presintering at 1250 °C followed by higher temperature sintering (1350–1450 °C) controlled grain growth. Rapid cooling from 1450 °C froze-in second phases at grain boundaries. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the resulting grain-boundary phases were Nb2O5-rich and BaO-deficient, having low liquid-formation temperatures. In contrast, SBN40 ceramics prepared with excess BaO and a deficiency of Nb2O5 showed no enhancement of grain growth at the highest temperature. Sintering behaviour and microstructural development provide evidence for the existence of a liquid phase which assists abnormal grain growth. The effect of presintering in controlling grain growth is discussed, and a mechanism for abnormal grain growth in Sr0.6Ba0.4Nb2O6 (SBN40) ceramics is proposed. © 1998 Chapman & Hall