Effect of temperature on the shape and coarsening behavior of BaTiO3 grains dispersed in a SiO2-rich liquid matrix

Grain coarsening during the sintering of BaTiO3 specimens prepared with excess SiO2-rich liquid has been investigated. At 1310°C, the grains were angular and a few grains having a double-twin grew extensively. At 1350°C, on the other hand, the grains were spherical and uniform grain coarsening was observed. The observed difference in coarsening behavior is discussed in terms of the coarsening mechanism and the atomic structure of interfaces.