Low-Loss Microwave Dielectrics in the (Mg1-xZnx)2TiO4 Ceramics

The microwave dielectric properties and the microstructures of (Mg1-xZnx)(2)TiO4 ceramics prepared by the conventional solid-state route were investigated. Lattice parameters were also measured for samples with different x. As x increased from 0 to 0.05, the Q x f of the specimen can be promoted from 150 000 GHz to a maximum 275 300 GHz. It also showed a remarkable lowering in the sintering temperature (similar to 100 degrees C). Ilmenite-structured (Mg0.95Zn0.05)TiO3 was detected as a second phase. The coexistence of the second phase, however, is not harmful to the dielectric properties of the specimen because it possesses compatible ones. A fine combination of microwave dielectric properties (epsilon(r) similar to 15.48, Q x f similar to 275 300 GHz, tau(f)similar to-34 ppm/degrees C) was obtained for (Mg0.95Zn0.05)(2)TiO4 specimen sintered at 1330 degrees C for 4 h. It is proposed as a very promising dielectric material for low-loss microwave and millimeter wave applications.