Ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ ceramics

Ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ have been investigated using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and a network analyzer. Samples sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h were disordered and showed the presence of Nb-rich liquid phase at grain boundary junctions. Degree of ordering increased with following annealing at 1300 °C. Growth of the ordered region during the annealing process was discussed in terms of nucleation and growth. A long-range order parameter was calculated using structure factor. Measurements of microwave dielectric properties showed that permittivity and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency decreased with ordering, and quality factor increased with ordering. The correlation between microwave dielectric properties and ordering was discussed in terms of covalency of bonding, inhomogeneous charge distribution, and defects concentration.