Microstructure effects on BaTiO3/BaTi0.8Zr0.2O3 composites properties

The dielectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric properties of bilayered BaTiO3/BaTi0.8Zr0.2O3 ceramics are described and correlated with their microstructure. Different sintering times are employed to change the microstructure and promote interdiffusion between the layers. The effects of constrained sintering on both compositions are analyzed and their properties are compared to that of single phase BaTiO3 and BaTi0.8Zr0.2O3 ceramics. The results show that, at sintering times until 2 h, the bilayer properties are predominantly affected by the presence of residual stresses. Only after 4 h sintering, the properties are predominantly affected by interdiffusion between the layers.