Photoacoustic signals from the ceramic BaTiO3 are analyzed, as a funct
ion of temperature close to structural phase transition from tetragona
l to cubic at 110 degrees C. The amplitude of the signals depends on t
he changes of the thermoelastic properties in the ceramic with tempera
ture. The Curie temperature value for the phase change was reproducibl
e and was found to be 109+/-6 degrees C. A comparative analysis of thi
s result with the differential thermal analysis and permittivity techn
iques is performed. Two changes of sign in the photoacoustic signal ar
e observed, associated with the thermal expansion coefficient behavior
in this material near the transition. (C) 1998 American Institute of
Physics.