Effects of sintering parameters and Nd doping on the microwave dielectric properties of Y2O3 ceramics

Y2O3 ceramics with good dielectric properties were prepared via co-precipitation reaction and subsequent sintering in a muffle furnace. The effects of Nd doping and sintering temperature on microwave dielectric properties were studied. With the increase in sintering temperature, the density, quality factor (Q×f), and dielectric constant (εr) values of pure Y2O3 ceramics increased to the maximum and then gradually decreased. The Y2O3 ceramics sintered at 1500 °C for 4 h showed optimal dielectric properties: εr=10.76, Q×f=82, 188 GHz, and τf=−54.4 ppm/°C. With the addition of Nd dopant, the Q×f values, εr, and τf of the Nd: Y2O3 ceramics apparently increased, but excessive amount degraded the quality factor. The Y2O3 ceramics with 2 at% Nd2O3 sintered at 1460 °C displayed good microwave dielectric properties: εr=10.4, Q×f=94, 149 GHz and τf=−46.2 ppm/°C.