Dense Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering

Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 ceramics have attracted much attention due to its interesting dielectric and magnetic properties. However, the Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 ceramics prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method have a maximum density of about 60% of the theoretical density. Decomposition at temperatures higher than 850 °C precluded the preparation of a more highly dense sample. In the present research, dense ferroelectric Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 ceramics with a density of more than 97% of the theoretical one were prepared by spark plasma sintering. XRD data shows that Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 has an orthorhombic Aurivillius-type structure.