In this work, the most suitable conditions were determined for shaping
ceramic bodies of the MSnO3 system (M = Ba, Zn, Ca), using submicron
particles of these perovskites synthesized by a chemical route. For this,
the rheological behaviours of colloidal suspensions of the MSnO3 powders (M
= Ba, Zn, Ca) were studied considering the effects of solid content and
concentration of ammonium polyacrylate (APA). The results indicated that the
optimal solids contents for stable suspensions in each system were 13.8
(BaSnO3), 19.4 (ZnSnO3), and 21.5 vol.% (CaSnO3). The suspensions containing
BaSnO3 and ZnSnO3 showed large reductions in viscosity, approximately 87%,
when APA (0.5-0.8wt.%) was added. In contrast, the CaSnO3 suspension did not
show significant changes after addition of APA. Slip casting of the stable
suspensions allowed formation of porous green bodies, which were
subsequently sintered in the range 1000-1500 ?C. Considering their potential
use as gas sensors, a preliminary study of the sintered bodies showed high
detection responses (Ra/Rg) toward 80 ppm reducing gas at operating
temperature of 270 ?C, especially ZnSnO3 to acetone and ethanol vapours,
BaSnO3 to ethanol vapour and CaSnO3 to toluene vapour.