Influence of Parallel Evolving Microstructure on Thermal Diffusivity in Strontium Titanate

Abstract

This paper reports some research findings on the parallel evolutions of microstructural properties and thermal diffusivity in strontium titanate. Strontium titanate samples have been prepared via the high energy ball milling technique and subsequently moulded by a hydraulic pressing and followed by cold isostatic pressing. Nanometer-sized compacted powder samples were sintered from 500 to 1400°C using 100°C increments. Strontium titanate formation was observed at as early as 500°C sintering temperature alongside secondary phases. The full formation of strontium titanate was observed at 800°C sintering temperature and above. Average grain sizes showed a fluctuating trend with increased sintering temperatures due to carbonate decomposition at lower sintering temperatures (500 to 800°C) and grain growth phenomenon at higher sintering temperatures (900 to 1400°C). Parallel characterization of evolving thermal diffusivity showed the same trend of fluctuation at low sintering temperatures as indirect relationship but increased with increased grain size due to a lesser amount of phonon scattering. However, thermal diffusivity values decreased with increased temperatures because of increased phonon-phonon scattering.