A Review on Microwave Processing Technique in the Synthesis of CaCu3Ti4O12

Abstract

Microwave heating has a high potential technique to be used as an effective substitute for traditional furnace heating techniques in today's ceramic industries, including the synthesis of promising very high dielectric materials with relative permittivity, e_r = 10⁵ of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO). The microwave processing approach employs microwave radiation to heat materials more efficiently and uniformly to promote uniform densification. Hence, this approach improved the material’s characteristics tremendously compared to the traditional furnace. As microwave heating lowers the reaction times, it has the potential to save both money and energy compared to conventional heating techniques. In CCTO processing, microwave energy was commonly used to replace the heating technique in the calcination stage, sintering stage, or both. This review delves into the historical development and advancements in microwave processing methods within ceramic manufacturing, particularly focusing on CCTO electroceramics. The aim is to assess the viability of microwave processing as a complete substitute for conventional furnace heating techniques in the production of CCTO.