The effect of sintering temperature and time on microwave properties of Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics for resonators

The microwave dielectric properties of Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics have been investigated. Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state route with various sintering temperatures and times. The prepared Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 exhibited a mixture of Zn and Ti showing 1:1 order in the B-site. Higher sintered density of 7.01 g/cm3 can be produced at 1310 °C for 2 h. The dielectric constant values (ɛr) of 22–31 and the Q × f values of 4700–37,000 (at 8 GHz) can be obtained when the sintering temperatures are in the range of 1250–1370 °C for 2 h. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf was a function of sintering temperature. The ɛr value of 31, Q  ×  f value of 37,000 (at 8 GHz) and τf value of −19 ppm/°C were obtained for Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 ceramics sintered at 1310 °C for 2 h. For applications of high selective microwave ceramic resonator, filter and antenna, Sm(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 is proposed as a suitable material candidate.