Microstructural evolution and dielectric properties of Cu-deficient and Cu-excess CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics

The microstructural evolution and dielectric properties of CaCu3−xTi4O12−x (3 − x = 2.8–3.05) ceramics were investigated. Normal grain growth behavior was observed at Cu/Ca ≤ 2.9, while abnormal grain growth was observed at Cu/Ca ≥ 2.95. A CuO-rich intergranular liquid phase at Cu/Ca ≥ 2.95 and angular grain morphology were the main reasons for abnormal grain growth. However, the abundant intergranular liquid at Cu/Ca = 3.05 significantly affected the relative dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss. The CuO composition is the key parameter that determines the microstructure and dielectric properties of CCTO ceramics.