The powder with a composition of (Ba0.87Ca0.13)(1.000)(Ti0.85Zr0.14Mn0.01)(1.003)O-3 sintered indifferent atmospheres was investigated. It was found that the densification occurred at lower temperature and discontinuous grain growth was inhibited but pores significantly grew when sintered in a reducing atmosphere. It is suggested that the inhibition of the discontinuous grain growth be attributed to the segregation of Mn2+ ions to the grain boundary and the absence of the Ti-rich liquid phase. It was also found that grain growth became significant at temperatures >1300 degreesC when sintered in the reducing atmosphere, which might be due to the increase of the oxygen vacancy concentration. Residual carbon played a significant role in pore growth. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.