Sintering BFO targets for RF sputtering

Ceramic BiFeO3 samples were prepared by rapid sintering at 880^◦C. Two compositions were examined. A 56/44 Bi2O3/Fe2O3 mole% composition and a 56Bi2O3 44Fe2O3 + 6.5wt% NaCl composition. The samples were heat treated at different times up to 8 minutes and the phase content was examined as a function of the time using XRD measurements and analysis. It was demonstrated that using both compositions, maximum BiFeO3 phase content is obtained after 3.5 minutes. In the former approximately 50% of the material transformed to BiFeO3 while in the latter 98.5%.