Abstract
Dielectric material CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) was prepared by solid state technique. CaCO3, TiO2,
and CuO powders were mixed thoroughly in a ball mill for an hour and
were calcined at 900 °C for 12 h. This is followed by sintering at a
defined standard temperature for this work (1050 °C for 24 h). Other
samples were prepared in a similar manner but with different sintering
durations. Each of the sample’s microstructure was observed by a
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Meanwhile, Energy-dispersive X-ray
Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was done on fracture surfaces in order to
examine the elements present at grain boundaries. Microstructure
observations show the melting and abnormal grain growth with large
pores. The solidified liquid at grain boundaries was verified as Cu rich
region, as confirmed by EDX analysis. By using the SEM, microstructure
of small grains with clear grain boundaries were obtained when sintering
was done at temperatures lower than 1050 °C. The microstructure of CCTO
was very sensitive to sintering parameters.
Keywords
- CuO melt phase;
- Microstructure;
- CCTO
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