Relationships between Zr substitution for Ti and microwave dielectric properties in Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 ceramics

The influence of Zr substitution for Ti on the microwave dielectric properties and microstructures of the Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3(MZxT) (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) ceramics was investigated. The quality factors of Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 ceramics with x = 0.01–0.05 were improved because the solid solution of a small amount of Zr4+ substitution in the B-site could increase density and grain size. An excess of Zr4+ resulted in the formation of a great deal of secondary phase that declined the microwave dielectric properties of MZxT ceramics. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 ceramics slightly increased with increasing Zr content, and the variation in τf was attributed to the formation of secondary phases.

► A single-phase solid solution containing ilmenite-type structure was form.
► A significant improvement of Q × f value, dielectric constant and τf were achieved by Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 solid solution.
► Low cost, high-quality factor, and suitable τf value, Mg(ZrxTi1−x)O3 demonstrate a good potential for use in microwave engineering.