The phase transition and microwave dielectric properties of tin modified zirconium titanate by melting process

The phase transition and microwave dielectric properties of tin-modified zirconium titanate were investigated using DTA and X-ray diffraction. The transparent glass ceramics were obtained by melting process. For pure ZrTiO4, as-quenched glass ceramic undergoes three successive transitions; glass to cubic, cubic to tetragonal, and tetragonal to orthorhombic, with increase of annealing time at 1300 degrees C. The abrupt change of c-axis lattice parameter below 1200 degrees C was analyzed to be associated with the transition of the normal high temperature phase to the incommensurate low temperature phase, and the kinetics of transitions was sluggish. The transitions of normal high temperature phase to the incommensurate low temperature phase occur continuously with the increase of annealing time. The addition of Sn inhibits the transition of the normal high temperature phase to the incommensurate low temperature phase. In comparison with the incommensurate low temperature phase, the normal high temperature phase has a beneficial effect on the microwave quality factor.