Influence of a ‘shape/consolidation factor’ in unary, undoped oxide ceramics: Experimental evidence and associated benefits

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate the versatility of the ‘shape/consolidation factor’ effect in unary and/or undoped ceramics (chosen systems: TiO2 and BaTiO3). The phenomenon has been examined via suitable characterization techniques, e.g., X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Raman Spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) etc. In absence of the shape factor effect, undoped ceramics, e.g., TiO2 and BaTiO3 depicted a multitude of artifacts starting from issues with phase purity (i.e., emergence of extra/new phases), imbalance with stoichiometry, generation of unwanted vacancies (via depletion of ions) etc. The ‘shape factor’ effect, thus, proved to be beneficial for the control/mitigation of such defects. Dependencies of various possible factors on this ‘shape factor’ effect have also been highlighted.