Synthesis, structural analysis and dielectric properties of Ba8(Mg1−xZnx)Nb6O24 hexagonal perovskites

Ba8(Mg1−xZnx)Nb6O24 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) ceramics were prepared through the conventional solid-state route. The materials were calcined at 1250 °C and sintered at 1375–1425 °C. The structure of the system was analyzed using X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopic studies. The microstructure of the sintered pellet was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric constant (εr), temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) and the unloaded quality factor (Qu) were measured in the microwave frequency region. The τf values of the compositions were reduced by varying the value of x from 0 to 1. The dielectric responses to frequency were also studied in the radio frequency region. The compositions have good microwave dielectric properties and hence are suitable for dielectric resonator applications.