Phase evolution, crystal structure and dielectric behavior of (1-x)Nd(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 + xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 compound ceramics

The phase evolution, crystal structure and dielectric properties of (1 - x)Nd(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O-3 + xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O-3 compound ceramics (0 <= x <= 1.0, abbreviated as (1 - x)NZT-xBZT hereafter) were investigated. A pure perovskite phase was formed in the composition range of 0 <= x <= 0.05. The B-site Zn2+/Ti4+ 1:1 long range ordering (LRO) structure was detected by both XRD and Raman spectra in x <= 0.05 samples. However, this LRO structure became gradually degraded with an increase in x. The dielectric behaviors of the compound ceramic at various frequencies were investigated and correlated to its chemical composition and crystal structure. A gradually compensated tau(f) value was obtained in (1 - x)NZT-xBZT microwave dielectrics at x = 0.03, which was mainly due to the dilution of dielectric constant in terms of Claussius-Mossotti differential equation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.