Chemical synthesis of KNbO3 and KNbO3–BaTiO3 ceramics

Powders of KNbO3 (KN) and KNbO3–BaTiO3 (KN–BT) solid solution were prepared by the Polymerised Complex Method (PC method), based on the Pechini-type reaction route. The crystallization process of KN and KN–BT solid solution during the calcination of an amorphous precursor was observed, using TGA–DTA analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. After calcination the powders were ball milled, pressed into pellets and sintered. Using this procedure we achieved relatively high-density and very homogeneous KN and KN–BT ceramics.