Crystal structure, infrared spectra and microwave dielectric properties of low-firing La2Zr3(MoO4)9 ceramics prepared by reaction-sintering process

Low-firing La2Zr3(MoO4)(9) (LZM) ceramics were prepared using the reaction-sintering (RS) route for the first time. The crystal structure, sintering characteristics, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of LZM samples were explored scientifically. A single phase, with trigonal structure in R-3c space group, was formed 600-800 degrees C. Dense sample with high relative density ( > 92 %) and homogeneous microstructure was obtained 650 degrees C. Subsequently, EDS analysis revealed that the composition was corresponding to theoretical stoichiometric ratio of chemical formula. The chemical bonds theory of complex crystals and far-infrared spectra analysis were employed to investigate the structure-property relations of LZM samples in detail. Optimum microwave dielectric properties with a dielectric constant (epsilon(r)) of 10.17, a quality factor (Q.f) of 51,578 GHz and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (tau(f)) of -29.55 ppm/degrees C were achieved in LZM sample prepared by the RS process sintered at 650 degrees C.