Preparation of High-Purity Submicron Barium Titanate Powders

Simultaneous hydrolytic decomposition of barium bis isopropoxide and titanium tetrakis tertiary amyloxide was used to produce stoichiometric BaTiO₃. The particle size range was 50 to 150 Å. The purity was 99.98+%, the major contaminant being silicon from the glass apparatus. The homogeneity and stoichiometry of the powder were demonstrated by electron microscopy and wet chemical analysis. X-ray and infrared analyses indicate that the material, as-prepared and helium-dried at 5O°C, has the titanate crystal structure. The powder sinters at 1300°C to a high density, translucent body with a uniform microstructure. The experiments suggest that the alkoxy-based preparation of oxides may provide a broad base for improving the quality and reproducibility of electrical and structural ceramics.