Sol-Gel Processed Strontium Titanate Ceramics

Ferroelectric strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) ceramics have been prepared by sol-gel processing technique. Strontium acetate [Sr(CH₃COO)₂] and titanium (IV) isopropoxide [Ti(OC₃H₇]₄ were used as the precursors for the fabrication of the samples. The stock solution for the preparation of strontium titanate powder was prepared by dissolving strontium acetate in ethanol and acetic acid solvents and mixing the resultant solution with titanium (IV) isopropoxide in equimolecular amounts. The as fired powder was found to be amorphous. Annealing the amorphous powder at 700°C for one hour in air yields cubic phase crystalline SrTiO₃ powder. Ceramic samples were prepared by pressing and sintering the crystalline powder. The effect of sintering temperature on the structural and dielectric properties were investigated and analyzed.