Sol–gel preparation of Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 microwave dielectric ceramics

Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 ceramic powders were prepared by a sol–gel method using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a complexing agent. A molecular-level, homogeneously mixed gel was obtained, and transferred into resin intermediate through charring. Well-crystallized Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 powders were prepared by calcination of the resin intermediate. DTA, TG, XRD and SEM were used to characterize the precursors and powders. Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 ceramics were sintered at different temperatures and their microwave dielectric properties were evaluated. The effect of ball-milling on the microwave dielectric properties of Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 (x=2/3) ceramics was examined. By sintering ball-milled powder prepared by the sol–gel method, excellent microwave dielectric characteristics for Ba6−3xSm8+2xTi18O54 (x=2/3) ceramics were obtained: ε=80.8, Qf=11,330 GHz.