Microstructural evolution in MSnO3 ceramics derived via self-heat-sustained (SHS) reaction technique

Abstract

A thorough study of MSnO3 (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) compounds with respect to their synthesis, processing and microstructural characterization has been made. In order to establish a standard methodology with identical and beneficial microstructure and reproducible electrical characteristics, a novel preparative method called self-heat-sustained (SHS) reaction technique was employed. Evolution of microstructure which is intimately related to the envisaged properties in the ceramics, was closely and systematically followed in terms of wide temperature-soak time (T-t) profiles. The results showed that while a well-densified microstructure with small grain size (approximately 1 μm) and near zero porosity could be obtained by selecting a sintering schedule of 1350 °C/x h (48 h