EFFECT OF EXCESS BISMUTH ON THE SYNTHESIS OF BISMUTH SILICATE (Bi4Si3O12) POLYCRYSTALS.

In this study, the effect of bismuth content on the crystal structure and morphology of bismuth silicate (BSO:Bi4Si3 O12) polycrystals were investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). BSO materials have been successfully prepared by the solid-state reaction. The BSO phase was crystallized at 950°C for 12 h. In summary, 10% of excess bismuth was found to be the optimum composition with respect to crystallization, morphology, and grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]