An alternative method to obtain Bi4Ti3O12 nanosized powders synthesized using microwave assisted hydrothermal treatment is proposed. Initially, the Bi4Ti3O12 powder was synthesized via solid-state reaction. Transparent aqueous solution of powder dissolved into hydrochloric acid was obtained and the pH adjustment was performed to the hydrothermal method. In order to show the viability of the proposed method, synthesis treatments at 160 degrees C with different hold times were carried out. The powders were characterized by differential thermal analyses, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.