Dielectric properties of Bi2O3–ZnO–Ta2O5 ceramics sintered by microwave

Here we report dielectric studies carried out on a Bi2Zn2/3Ta4/3O7 (abbreviated as β-BZT) composition. The material was synthesized by conventional ceramic method and microwave sintering processing. The dielectric properties were studied as a function of frequency and temperature. Dielectric constant of Bi2Zn2/3Ta4/3O7 ceramics prepared from microwave is slightly smaller than that of the conventional sintered ones. The dissipation factor and temperature coefficient of dielectric constant are low for microwave-sintered samples. Microwave sintering of Bi2Zn2/3Ta4/3O7 ceramics led to higher densification and the fine microstructure in much shorter time duration compared to conventional procedures, improved microstructure and dielectric properties. To achieve the same densification, it requires 4 h of soaking at the same temperature in conventional sintering process. Microwave sintering method may lead to energy savings because of rapid kinetics of synthesis.