Grain growth in Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -based solid solutions

This paper discusses effects of different dopants, sintering technique and parameters on microstructure and properties of pure and Yb, Er-doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT). All stoichiometric compositions follow the abnormal grain growth mechanism (AGG) and exhibit a bimodal grain size distribution. Bi over-stoichiometry, two step sintering and hot pressing are effective inhibitors of AGG. Microstructure of sintered NBT greatly influences such properties as dielectric permittivity and depolarization temperature.