Co‐optimization of microwave dielectric properties in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 complex perovskite ceramics through ordered domain engineering

• Published in: Journal of the American Ceramic Society 2023-06, Vol.106 (6), p.3471-3480
• Main Authors: Kang, Zhi Hua, Guo, Rui Ze, Da Shi, Rui, Zhu, Xiao Li, Chen, Xiang Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; dielectric materials/properties; Dielectric properties; dielectric relaxation; Dielectric strength; Domains; electroceramics; ferroelectricity/ferroelectric materials; Heat conductivity; Heat transfer; lead‐free ceramics; Optimization; Perovskites; Resonant frequencies; Thermal conductivity
• ISSN: 0002-7820; 1551-2916
• DOI: 10.1111/jace.19007

It is an important subject to improve the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) and thermal conductivity (κ) of microwave dielectric ceramics without reducing the Qf value. Ordered domain engineering was applied to realize the previous objectives in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 ceramics. With the increasing ordering degree from 0.835 to 0.897, the optimized Qf value was obtained. Meanwhile, near zero τf from 11.9 to 5.6 ppm °C−1 was achieved, together with increased κ from 5.5 to 7.6 W m−1 K−1, and enhanced dielectric strength from 801 to 921 kV cm−1. The noticeable ordered domain structure with large ordered domains (∼100 nm) and low‐energy domain boundaries was revealed in Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3. The consequent weakened phonon scattering rises the thermal conductivity. The increased bond covalency and oxygen distortion in ceramics with higher ordering degree were suggested as a cause of enlarged bandgap, which enhanced the dielectric strength. The reduced τf is dominated by the less “rattling” space of the cations in the ordered state by inducing more positive τε. The reduced τf, optimized thermal conductivity, and Qf value in the present work indicate that the ordered domain engineering could open up a new direction for the optimization of microwave dielectric ceramics.