Ceramics based on CaTiO3-NdAlO3 solid solutions were synthesized in order t
o study their dielectric microwave properties. Microstructural analysis was
performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electro
n microscopy (TEM) using different analytical methods such as energy-disper
sive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). It was observed that the heating conditions
during sintering and subsequent cooling strongly affect the microstructura
l development of the CaTiO3-NdAlO3-based ceramics. Various types and concen
trations of structural defects were identified, for example, dislocations,
twins and/or antiphase boundaries. All such defects resulted in a degradati
on of the dielectric microwave properties, in particular the quality factor
Q. The dielectric properties of CaTiO3-NdAlO3-based ceramics can be improv
ed by an appropriate thermal treatment. Some of the microwave dielectric pr
operties can also be improved by using iso- or alio-valent dopants.