Synthesis, structural and microwave dielectric properties of Al2W3-xMoxO12 (x=0-3) ceramics

Low dielectric ceramics in the Al(2)W(3-x)MoxO(12) (x = 0-3) system have been prepared through solid state ceramic route. The phase purity of the ceramic compositions has been studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The microstructure of the sintered ceramics was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The crystal structure of the ceramic compositions as a result of Mo substitution has been studied using Laser Raman spectroscopy. The microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were studied by Hakki and Coleman post resonator and cavity perturbation techniques. Al(2)MoxW(3-x)O(12) (x = 0-3) ceramics exhibited low dielectric constant and relatively high unloaded quality factor. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of the compositions is found to be in the range -41 to -72 ppm/degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.