Low temperature sintering and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg0.7Zn0.3)0.95Co0.05TiO3 ceramics with BaCu(B2O5) additions

The effects of BaCu(B₂O₅) additives on the sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were investigated. The (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics were not able to be sintered below 1000 °C. However, when BaCu(B₂O₅) were added, they were sintered below 1000 °C and had the good microwave dielectric properties. It was suggested that a liquid phase with the composition of BaCu(B₂O₅) was formed during the sintering and assisted the densification of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics at low temperature. BaCu(B₂O₅) powders were produced and used to reduce the sintering temperature of the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics. Good microwave dielectric properties of Q × f = 35,000 GHz, ?_r = 18.5.0 and τ_f = −51 ppm/°C were obtained for the (Mg_0.7Zn_0.3)_0.95Co_0.05TiO₃ ceramics containing 7 wt.% mol% BaCu(B₂O₅) sintered at 950 °C for 4 h.     

Enhancement microwave dielectric properties of La(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3 ceramics by substituting Mg with Ni

The microwave dielectric properties of La(Mg_0.5−xNi_xSn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were examined with a view to their exploitation for mobile communication. The La(Mg_0.5−xNi_xSn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state method at various sintering temperatures. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the La(Mg_0.4Ni_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics revealed no significant variation of phase with sintering temperatures. Apparent density of 6.71 g/cm³, dielectric constant (?_r) of 20.19, quality factor (Q × f) of 74,600 GHz, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −85 ppm/°C were obtained for La(Mg_0.4Ni_0.1Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics that were sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h.     

Dielectric relaxation behaviors of pure and Pr6O11-doped CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics in high temperature range

Pure and Pr₆O₁₁-doped CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The compositions and structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of Pr-ion concentration on dielectric properties of CCTO were measured in the ranges of 60 Hz-3 MHz and 290-490 K. The third phase of Ca₂CuO₃ was observed from the XRD of CCTO ceramics. From SEM, the grain size was decreased obviously with high valence Pr-ion (mixing valence of Pr³⁺ and Pr⁴⁺) substituting Ca²⁺. The room temperature dielectric constant of Pr-doped CCTO ceramics, sintered at 1323 K, was an order of magnitude lower than the pure CCTO ceramics due to the grain size decreasing and Schottky potential increasing. The dielectric spectra of Pr-doped CCTO were flatter than that of pure CCTO. The loss tangent of Pr-doped CCTO ceramics was less than 0.20 in 2 × 10²-10⁵ Hz region below 440 K. The complex impedance spectra of pure and Pr-doped CCTOs were fitted by ZView. From low to high frequency, three semicircles were observed corresponding to three different conducting regions: electrode interface, grain boundary and grain. By fitting the resistors R and capacitors C, the activation energies of grain boundary and electrode contact were calculated. All doped CCTOs showed higher activation energies of grain boundary and electrode than those of pure CCTO ceramics, which were concordant with the decreasing of dielectric constant after Pr₆O₁₁ doping.     

Effect of α-Al2O3 on in situ synthesis low density O′-sialon multiphase ceramics

In this paper, the effect of α-Al₂O₃ on in situ synthesis low density O′-sialon multiphase ceramics was investigated. Thermodynamics analysis was used to illustrate the feasibility of synthesizing O′-sialon at a low temperature of 1420 °C. The crystalline phase and microstructure were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The actual substitution parameter x value of O′-sialon was estimated via lattice correction. The results showed that, O′-sialon multiphase ceramics with different x values could be synthesized successfully through varying α-Al₂O₃ content. Bulk densities of samples ranging from 1.64 to 2.11 g cm⁻³ were adjusted with the percentage of α-Al₂O₃ increasing from 5.21 wt.% to 15.62 wt.%. Formation of nearly single-phase O′-sialon was obtained in the sample containing 10.42 wt.% α-Al₂O₃. The actual substitution parameter x increased with the increase of α-Al₂O₃, whereas it was lower than the original designation, and the O′-sialon with a low x value was achieved.     

Piezoelectric and dielectric properties of Dy2O3-doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 lead-free ceramics

(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ + x wt% Dy₂O₃ with x = 0-0.3 ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state processes. The effects of Dy₂O₃ on the microstructure, the piezoelectric and dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that the coexistence of tetragonal and rhombohedral phases in the (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ composition was not changed by adding 0.05-0.3 wt% Dy₂O₃. SEM images indicate that all the ceramics have pore-free microstructures with high density, and that doping of Dy₂O₃ inhibits the grain growth of the ceramics. The addition of Dy₂O₃ shows the double effects on decreasing the piezoelectric and dielectric properties for 0 < x < 0.15 when Dy³⁺ ions substitute B-site Ti⁴⁺ ions, and increasing the properties for 0.15 < x < 0.3 when Dy³⁺ ions enters into A-site of the perovskite structure. The optimum electric properties of piezoelectric constant d₃₃ = 170 pC/N and the dielectric constant ?_r = 1900 (at a frequency of 1 kHz) are obtained at x = 0.3.     

Elucidating the dielectric properties of Mg2SnO4 ceramics at microwave frequency

This study investigated the potential applications of microwave dielectric properties of Mg₂SnO₄ ceramics in mobile communication. Mg₂SnO₄ ceramics were prepared using a conventional solid-state method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the Mg₂SnO₄ ceramics revealed no significant variation of phase with sintering temperature. A maximum density of 4.62 g/cm³, a dielectric constant (?_r) of 8.41, a quality factor (Q × f) of 55,100 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of −62 ppm/ °C were obtained when Mg₂SnO₄ ceramics were sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h.     

Relationships between Zr substitution for Ti and microwave dielectric properties in Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 ceramics

The influence of Zr substitution for Ti on the microwave dielectric properties and microstructures of the Mg(Zr_xTi_1−x)O₃(MZ_xT) (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics was investigated. The quality factors of Mg(Zr_xTi_1−x)O₃ ceramics with x = 0.01-0.05 were improved because the solid solution of a small amount of Zr⁴⁺ substitution in the B-site could increase density and grain size. An excess of Zr⁴⁺ resulted in the formation of a great deal of secondary phase that declined the microwave dielectric properties of MZ_xT ceramics. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of Mg(Zr_xTi_1−x)O₃ ceramics slightly increased with increasing Zr content, and the variation in τ_f was attributed to the formation of secondary phases.     

Sinterability and dielectric properties of Ba0.55Sr0.4Ca0.05TiO3-CaTiSiO5-Mg2TiO4 composite ceramics

The composite ceramics of Ba_0.55Sr_0.4Ca_0.05TiO₃-CaTiSiO₅-Mg₂TiO₄ (BSCT-CTS-MT) were prepared by the conventional solid-state route. The sintering performance, phase structures, morphologies, and dielectric properties of the composite ceramics were investigated. The BSCT-CTS-MT ceramics were sintered at 1100 °C and possessed dense microstructure. The dielectric constant was tailored from 1196 to 141 as the amount of Mg₂TiO₄ increased from 0 to 50 wt%. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of 40 wt% Ba_0.55Sr_0.4Ca_0.05TiO₃-10 wt% CaTiSiO₅-50 wt% Mg₂TiO₄ was 141 and 0.0020, respectively, and the tunability was 8.64% under a DC electric field of 8.0 kV/cm. The Curie peaks were broadened and depressed after the addition of CaTiSiO₅. The optimistic dielectric properties made it a promising candidate for the application of tunable capacitors and phase shifters.     

Improved dielectric and non-ohmic properties of Ca2Cu2Ti4O12 ceramics prepared by a polymer pyrolysis method

Non-ohmic and dielectric properties of Ca₂Cu₂Ti₄O₁₂ (CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂/CaTiO₃ composite) ceramics prepared by a polymer pyrolysis method (PP-ceramic samples) are investigated. The PP-ceramics show a highly dense structure and improved non-ohmic and dielectric properties compared to the ceramics obtained by a solid state reaction method (SSR-ceramic samples). ?′ (tan δ) of the PP-ceramic samples is found to be higher (lower) than that of the SSR-ceramic samples. Interestingly, the PP-ceramic sintered at 1050 °C for 10 h exhibits the high ?′ of 2530 with weak frequency dependence below 1 MHz, the low tan δ less than 0.05 in the frequency range of 160 Hz-177 kHz, and the little temperature coefficient, i.e., |Δ?′| ≤ 15 % in the temperature range from −55 to 85 °C. These results indicate that the CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂/CaTiO₃ composite system prepared by PP method is a promising high-?′ material for practical capacitor application.     

Effect of Cr7C3 on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of Cr2AlC

In this work, phase pure Cr₂AlC and impure Cr₂AlC with Cr₇C₃ have been fabricated to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The thermal expansion coefficient is determined as 1.25 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹ in the temperature range of 25-1200 °C. The thermal conductivity of the Cr₂AlC is 15.73 W/m K when it is measured at 200 °C. With increasing temperature from 25 °C to 900 °C, the electrical conductivity of Cr₂AlC decreases from 1.8 × 10⁶ Ω⁻¹ m⁻¹ to 5.6 × 10⁵ Ω⁻¹ m⁻¹. For the impure phase of Cr₇C₃, it has a strengthening and embrittlement effect on the bulk Cr₂AlC. And the Cr₂AlC with Cr₇C₃ would result in a lower high-temperature thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and electrical conductivity.     

Preparation, structure and electrical conductivity of the pyrochlore-type phase Sm2Zr2O7 codoped with bivalent magnesium and trivalent dysprosium cations

The pyrochlore-type phases with the compositions of SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) have been prepared by pressureless-sintering method for the first time as possible solid electrolytes. The structure and electrical conductivity of SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 ceramics have been studied by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and impedance spectroscopy measurements. SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10) ceramics exhibit a single phase of pyrochlore-type structure, and SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 (x = 0.15, 0.20) ceramics consist of pyrochlore phase and a small amount of the second phase magnesia. The total conductivity of SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 ceramics obeys the Arrhenius relation, and the total conductivity of each composition increases with increasing temperature from 673 to 1173 K. SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 ceramics are oxide-ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.0 atm at all test temperature levels. The highest total conductivity value is about 8 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 1173 K for SmDy_1−xMg_xZr₂O_7−x/2 ceramics.     

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of Sb doped (NaBi)0.38(LiCe)0.05[]0.14Bi2Nb2O9 ceramics

Sb⁵⁺-doped (NaBi)_0.38(LiCe)_0.05[]_0.14Bi₂Nb₂O₉ (represented as NBNLCS-x, where [] represents A-site vacancies) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state route. The ceramics well sintered to approach ∼98.5% theoretical density and the tetragonality of crystal structure increased with Sb⁵⁺ additions. However, the Curie temperature (T_C) and the piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) of Sb⁵⁺-modified ceramics gradually decreased. The 3 mol% Sb⁵⁺-doped samples exhibited optimum properties with a d₃₃ value of ∼22 pC/N planar electromechanical coupling factor (k_p) of ∼11.2% and relatively high T_C of ∼765 °C. These results indicate that NBNLCS-x material is a promising candidate for high-temperature piezoelectric applications.     

Reaction-sintering method for ultra-low loss (Mg0.95Co0.05)TiO3 ceramics

Microwave dielectric properties and microstructures of (Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO₃ ceramics prepared by a new sintering method (reaction-sintering method) were investigated. A pure phase of (Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO₃ was obtained by the new method and excellent dielectric properties were observed due to uniformities of the microstructure and the phase. In contrast, the secondary phase (Mg_0.95Co_0.05)Ti₂O₅ was observed in samples prepared by conventional sintering method. In order to study the influence of secondary phase on the microwave dielectric properties quantitatively, the weight fraction of (Mg_0.95Co_0.05)Ti₂O₅ was calculated on the basis of Rietveld refinement. The pore-free?_r values of specimens prepared by two different methods indicated that porosity plays an important role in the ?_r values of (Mg_0.95Co_0.05)TiO₃ ceramics. Specimens sintered by reaction-sintering method at 1350 °C for 4 h possess excellent dielectric properties with an ?_r of 16.3, a Q × f value of 244,500 GHz, and a τ_f value of −53.5 ppm/°C.     

Microwave dielectric properties and its compatibility with silver electrode of Li2MgTi3O8 ceramics

The effects of BaCu(B₂O₅) (BCB) additions on the sintering temperature and microwave dielectric properties of Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic have been investigated. The pure Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic shows a relative high sintering temperature (∼1000 °C) and good microwave dielectric properties as Q × f of 40,000 GHz, ?_r of 27.2, τ_f of 2.6 ppm/°C. It was found that the addition of a small amount of BCB can effectively lower the sintering temperature of Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramics from 1025 to 900 °C and induce no obvious degradation of the microwave dielectric properties. Typically, the 0.5 wt% BCB added Li₂MgTi₃O₈ ceramic sintered at 900 °C for 2 h exhibited good microwave dielectric properties of Q × f = 36,200 GHz (f = 7.31 GHz), ?_r = 26 and τ_f = −2 ppm/°C. Compatibility with Ag electrode indicates this material can be applied to low temperature-cofired ceramics (LTCC) devices.     

Low-voltage cathodoluminescence properties of green-emitting ZnAl2O4:Mn nanophosphors for field emission display

A low-cost ZnAl₂O₄:Mn²⁺ green nanophosphor for field emission display (FED) was successfully synthesized by the coprecipitation method and a two-step firing, firstly calcining at 1200 °C for 2 h in air and then annealing at 900 °C for 3 h in flowing NH₃ gas. The effects of the preparation process and the Mn²⁺ concentration on optical properties of ZnAl₂O₄:Mn²⁺ were investigated. The phase composition, particle morphology, photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the ZnAl₂O₄:Mn²⁺ phosphor as well as low-voltage field emission properties of the FED device prepared by using the synthesized ZnAl₂O₄:Mn²⁺ phosphor were examined. Similar to ZnGa₂O₄:Mn²⁺, Mn²⁺-doped ZnAl₂O₄ showed two green emission bands centered at 508 and 517 nm, respectively, which originate from ⁴T₁(⁴G)→⁶A₁(⁶S) transitions of Mn²⁺ on T_d and O_h sites. The PL intensity reached the maximum at 0.5 at.% Mn²⁺. Under the low-voltage excitation, the FED device exhibited bright green emission, high voltage brightness saturation, and high color purity.     

Bulk WC-Al2O3 composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

WC and WC-Al₂O₃ materials without metallic binder addition were densified by spark plasma sintering in the range of 1800-1900 °C. The densification behavior, phase constitution, microstructure and mechanical properties of pure WC and WC-Al₂O₃ composite were investigated. The addition of Al₂O₃ facilitates sintering and increases the fracture toughness of the composites to a certain extent. An interesting phenomenon is found that a proper content of Al₂O₃ additive helps to limit the formation of W₂C phase in sintered WC materials. The pure WC specimen possesses a hardness (HV₁₀) of 25.71 GPa, fracture toughness of 4.54 MPa·m^1/2, and transverse fracture strength of 862 MPa, while those of WC-6.8 vol.% Al₂O₃ composites are 24.48 GPa, 6.01 MPa·m^1/2, and 1245 MPa respectively. The higher fracture toughness and transverse fracture strength of WC-6.8 vol.% Al₂O₃ are thought to result from the reduction of W₂C phase, the crack-bridging by Al₂O₃ particles and the local change in fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular.     

Mg-substituted ZnNb2O6-TiO2 composite ceramics for RF/microwaves ceramic capacitors

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Mg-substituted ZnNb₂O₆-TiO₂ microwave ceramics were investigated. Mg acted as a grain refining reagent and columbite phase stabilization reagent. With an increasing Mg content, the amount of ixiolite (Zn, Mg) TiNb₂O₈ decreased, and the amount of (Zn_0.9Mg_0.1)_0.17Nb_0.33Ti_0.5O₂ and columbite increased. ZnO-Nb₂O₅-1.75TiO₂-5 mol.%MgO exhibited excellent dielectric properties (at 950 °C): ?_r = 35.6, Q × f = 16,000 GHz (at 5.6 GHz) and τ_f = −10 ppm/°C. The material was applied successfully to make RF/microwaves ceramic capacitor, whose self-resonance frequency was 19 GHz at low capacitance of 0.13 pF.     

Dielectric and microwave properties of ZrO2 doped CaO-SiO2-B2O3 ceramic matrix composites

The behavior of dielectric and microwave properties against sintering temperature has been carried out on CaO-SiO₂-B₂O₃ ceramic matrix composites with ZrO₂ addition. The results indicated that ZrO₂ addition was advantageous to improve the dielectric and microwave properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that the major crystalline β-CaSiO₃ and a little SiO₂ phase existed at the temperature ranging from 950 °C to 1050 °C. At 0.5 wt% ZrO₂, CaO-SiO₂-B₂O₃ ceramic matrix composites sintered at 1000 °C possess good dielectric properties: ?_r = 5.85, tan δ = 1.59 × 10⁻⁴ (1 MHz) and excellent microwave properties: ?_r = 5.52, Q · f = 28,487 GHz (11.11 GHz). The permittivity of Zr-doped CaO-SiO₂-B₂O₃ ceramic matrix composites exhibited very little temperature dependence, which was less than ±2% over the temperature range of −50 to 150 °C. Moreover, the ZrO₂-doped CaO-SiO₂-B₂O₃ ceramic matrix composites have low permittivity below 5.5 over a wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz.     

Influence of MnO2 on the sintering behavior and magnetic properties of NiFe2O4 ferrite ceramics

The samples with small amounts of MnO₂ (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 wt%, respectively) were prepared via ball-milling process and two-step sintering process from commercial powders (i.e. Fe₂O₃, NiO and MnO₂). Microstructural features, phase transformation, sintering behavior and magnetic properties of Mn-doped NiFe₂O₄ composite ceramics have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal dilatometer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) respectively. The XRD analysis and the result of differential thermal analysis indicate that the reduction of MnO₂ into Mn₂O₃ and the following reduction of Mn₂O₃ into MnO existed in sintering process. No new phases are detected in the ceramic matrix, the crystalline structure of the ceramic matrix is still NiFe₂O₄ spinel structure. Morphology and the detecting result of thermal dilatometer show that MnO₂ can promote the sintering process, the temperature for 1 wt% MnO₂-doped samples to reach the maximum shrinkage rate is 59 °C lower than that of un-doped samples. For 1 wt% MnO₂-doped samples, the value of the saturation magnetization (M_s) and coercivity (H_c) is 15.673 emu/g and 48.316 Oe respectively.