| Abstract Scope |
Perovskite BaTiO<sub>3</sub>, among other perovskites, is known to exhibit excellent ferroelectric, dielectric, electro-optic, and elastic properties. This makes it an excellent candidate for use in electronic applications, such as multilayer ceramic capacitors, positive temperature coefficient thermistors, photonic crystals, and pressure transducers. We have worked on synthesizing barium titanate, strontium titanate, and magnesium aluminate in which the powders are shaped as cubes through various synthesis methods and with sizes in the nanometer to sub-micron range. We have analyzed the effects of the synthesis methods on the cubic morphology and composition using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. We have also defined a methodology to obtain ordered arrangements of our cubic particles in the form of films, which has allowed an assessment of the role of grain boundaries and diffusion processes on the sintering and grain growth of these materials during calcination treatments. |