Influences of Processing Parameters on Bi_4Ti_3O_(12) Powder Prepared by Molten Salt Methods

The influences of processing parameters on Bi4Ti3O12 powder prepared by a molten salt method were studied. The results obtained indicate that the powder characteristics are greatly influenced by the synthesizing temperature, type and quantity of the salts used. In chloride salt, Bi4Ti3O12 particles grow by the Ostwald ripening mechanism, their dimension increases with increasing temperatures, showing a circular platelike morphology. The powder prepared in sulfate salt has larger particle size and more irregular platelike morphology than that in the chloride salt. As the Bi4Ti3O12 precursor to salt ratio is less than 1, the grain size decreases with increasing sulfate salt quantity, at the same time the particle morphology becomes more irregular. Bi4Ti3O12 powder with specific particle size and morphology can be obtained by adjusting the processing parameters.