Low-temperature densification of Mg2SnO4 ceramics with LiF-Fe2O3-V2O5 additive

• Sintering temperature of Mg2SnO4 ceramic was decreased from 1550 °C to 1050 °C.
• Dense and fine-grained microstructure was obtained.
• Mg2SnO4 ceramics with 4 wt.% LiF-Fe2O3-V2O5 showed good dielectric properties.
• The ceramics were compatible with Ag/Pd electrodes.

The effects of LiF-Fe2O3-V2O5 (LFV) additive on the sinterability, microstructure, phase composition, and microwave dielectric properties of Mg2SnO4 is investigated. By adding LFV additive, the densification temperature of Mg2SnO4 ceramics is significantly lowered from 1550 °C to 1050 °C. XRD shows all doped samples are single-phase Mg2SnO4 with Fd3m space group. TEM image and EDS spectra indicate that an amorphous phase is formed in the intergranular region, and Fe3+ ions presents in Mg2SnO4 matrix. Mg2SnO4 with 4 wt.% LFV additive sintered at 1050 °C provides the attractive combination of dense microstructure and excellent dielectric properties: εr=7.90, Q×f=41,400 GHz and τf=−82 ppm/°C. In addition, the ceramic is compatible with Ag/Pd electrodes, suggesting the potential application in millimeter-wave communication.