Development of novel Bi1−xSmxFeO3 based polymer-ceramic nanocomposite for microwave application

Abstract

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is a widely explored magneto electric ceramic whose properties can be enhanced through doping with a rare earth metal like samarium. Methoxy assisted sol–gel technique was used in the synthesis of pure phase bismuth ferrite and various concentrations of samarium doped bismuth ferrite Bi1−xSmxFeO3 where x = 0.05 and x = 0.1 (Bi0.95Sm0.05FeO3, Bi0.9Sm0.1FeO3) nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized for their structural, morphological, and electrical behavior. The synthesized nanoparticles were used in the making of polymer-ceramic nanocomposite films by homogenous dispersion of the nanoparticles into the polyvinylacetate (PVA) polymer matrix. The developed Bi1−xSmxFeO3/PVA nanocomposite films were characterized for their structural, functional and dielectric characteristics that proved it to be used in the development of microwave devices for transient electronics. Based on the dielectric characterization, microstrip patch antennas were successfully designed, simulated and fabricated to function in the X Band (8 to 12 GHz) with polymer-ceramic (Bi1−xSmxFeO3/PVA) nanocomposite film as the substrate materials. The comparative analysis of the designed antennas showed excellent improvement in bandwidth and directivity. Bi1−xSmxFeO3/PVA nanocomposite films are found to be a favorable material for flexible transient electronics through controlled doping concentration.