Output details

Ferroelectric ceramics with enhanced remnant polarization by ordered coalescence of nano-crystals

This paper reports a new phenomena during the early stages of sintering ceramic nanopowders, ordered coalescence of nano-crystals. It explains for the first time an important problem in densification of nanostructured polycrystalline materials, the rapid grain growth that occurs in the early stages of sintering. Understanding and controlling this behaviour will enable ceramicists and metallurgists to exploit rapid sintering to produce nanostructured materials with nano-mosaic structures. In the case of piezoelectric ceramics, these materials have significantly improved ferroelectric properties. The work involves collaboration with world leading research groups in China, Sweden and Germany.