Achieving dense microstructure with desired physical properties rapidly and inexpensively in Bi-modified SrTiO 3 ceramics via microwave sintering technique

Researchers are paying constant attention to preparing ceramic materials faster and cheaper while obtaining optimal physical properties. Their goal is to achieve a smaller grain size that will enable them to enhance the breakdown strength, thus increasing the density and efficiency of energy storage material. In line with this objective, two samples of Sr 0.95 Bi 0.05 TiO 3 ceramics were selected: one was sintered at 1250 °C for 4 h using a conventional sintering CS process, while the other was sintered at the same temperature for 20 min using a microwave sintering system MWS. Both sintered samples showed a single cubic phase, as confirmed by refinement of the X-ray diffraction data. Morphological results show that the microwave-sintered sample ceramics show better densification exceeding 98%. The morphological results also show that the grain size obtained via microwave sintering is ten times smaller than that obtained with the conventional sintering technique. The P–E loop study shows that the breakdown strength with a microwave sintering system increased 1.5 times compared to the CS technique, resulting in enhanced energy storage density from 0.215 to 0.325 J/cm 3 . This intriguing technology has energy-saving qualities, quick processing, and homogeneous temperature distribution over the sample. According to our findings, the microwave processing method is one of the most attractive methods that can be used to develop new electronic materials for the next generation of applications.