Solid-state synthesis and spark plasma sintering of submicron BaYxZr1 − xO3 − x/2 (x = 0, 0.08 and 0.16) ceramics

Fine powders (particle size of 100–200 nm) of BaYxZr1 − xO3 − x/2 (x = 0, 0.08, 0.16) were produced by solid-state reaction at 1000–1050 °C using nanocrystalline ZrO2 and BaCO3 raw materials. The powders were densified by means of the spark plasma sintering process resulting in dense and homogeneous submicron microstructures. Near full density ceramics with grain size < 300 nm were obtained by sintering at 1600 °C for 1–5 min.