Enhanced densification of SrTiO/sub 3/ perovskite ceramics

The densification of SrTiO/sub 3/ materials has been enhanced by using the novel sintering techniques. The hipping and microwave sintering, on the other hand, can enhance the diffusion of the ions markedly such that the undesired feature of the mixed oxide powders is easily overcome and the materials are well sintered. The densification of the materials has already started when microwave sintered at 1220/spl deg/C, but the growth of the grains can occur only when microwave sintered at 1250/spl deg/C. The migration of grain boundaries can be effectively triggered by applying a short temperature pulse at the onset of the densification process.