Effect of sintering aid on microwave dielectric properties of Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramics

The effects of B2O3 addition on the sintering behavior, microstructure, and the microwave dielectric properties of Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 (MZrT) ceramics have been investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicate the presence of six crystalline phases, Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3, Mg0.25Zr0.38Ti0.38O1.75, Mg2TiO4, MgTi2O5, TiO2, and (Mg,Ti)2(BO3)O, in the sintered ceramics, depending on the amount of B2O3 added. It was found that the firing temperature required to make the Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramics dense is lowered by increasing the B2O3 content. The τf value of the Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 with B2O3 glass was also improved dramatically. Addition of 1.5 wt% B2O3 glass lowers the sintering temperature of Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 from 1420 to 1270 °C, with relatively high Q×f = 108,000 (GHz), ɛr of 17.6, and of low τf = −2 ppm/°C.