Influence of the mechanochemical conditions on the processing of Bi4SrTi4O15 ceramics from submicronic powdered precursors

Ferroelectric Bi4SrTi4O15 ceramic samples have been processed and characterized. The ceramic precursors were obtained by the mechanochemical method with different activation conditions. Initial reagents have been activated in different types of mills, vibrating and planetary, for different milling times. SrCO3 or SrO were used as initial reagents. Bi4SrTi4O15 ceramics have been processed at several sintering temperatures, 1050 °C being the optimum temperature, for obtaining dense Aurivillius single phase ceramics. Also, dielectric properties as a function of temperature and frequency are reported for the Bi4SrTi4O15 ceramics. Poling experiments were carried out, and piezoelectric coefficients are given.