Low temperature processing of (Zr0.8Sn0.2)TiO4 ceramics with improved Q factor

Polycrystalline (Zr0.8Sn0.2)TiO4 (ZST) ceramics have been synthesized by solid-sate reaction method. The effect of B2O3, ZnO–B2O3 or 5ZnO–2B2O3 glass addition (0.2–1.0 wt.%) on microwave dielectric properties of ZST ceramics are investigated. The increase in average grain size via growth of large grains and dissolution of small grains is explained by Ostwald ripening phenomena. The highest Q × fo values are found to be 61,500, 48,500 and 51,900 GHz for the ZST dielectric resonators added with B2O3, ZnO–B2O3 and 5ZnO–2B2O3 respectively. The effect of liquid phase sintering on microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of ZST ceramics is discussed.

► The addition of B2O3, ZnO–B2O3 or 5ZnO–2B2O3 on structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of ZST ceramics is investigated.
► With the addition of these additives, the sintering temperature of ZST ceramics was brought down from 1600 °C to 1150 °C.
► The increase in average grain size via growth of large grains and dissolution of small grains is explained by Ostwald ripening phenomena.
► The improvement in Q × fo is attributed to the increase in grain size and density.