Preparation and microwave characterization of BaNd2−xSmxTi4O12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) ceramics and their effect on the temperature coefficient of dielectric constant in polytetrafluoroethylene composites

High dielectric and temperature-stable ceramic compositions have been prepared through solid-state ceramic route. The structure and microstructure of the ceramics have been studied using powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The dielectric properties of well-sintered ceramics are studied in the microwave frequency region using Hakki and Coleman post-resonator technique. The samples exhibited high dielectric constant (>77), relatively high quality factor (>1500) and near zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency. Phase pure calcined ceramic materials are incorporated in the polytetrafluoroethylene matrix through a proprietary process comprising of sigma mixing, extrusion, calendering followed by hot pressing for the fabrication of planar circuit laminates. The effect of temperature coefficient of dielectric constant of the resultant polytetrafluoroethylene/ceramic composite materials is studied with respect to compositional variation of the filler materials.