Effect of sintering temperature on microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of Li2SnO3 ceramics

The microwave dielectric properties of Li2SnO3 ceramics were investigated with a view to the use of such ceramics in mobile communication. Li2SnO3 ceramics were prepared using the conventional solid-state method with various sintering temperatures. Dielectric constants (epsilon(r)) of 11.3-12.0 and unloaded quality factor (Q(u) x f) of 4,900-13,100 GHz were obtained at sintering temperatures in the range 1,300-1,375 degrees C for 2 h. A maximum apparent density of 4.99 g/cm(3) was obtained for Li2SnO3 ceramic, sintered at 1,325 degrees C for 2 h. A dielectric constant (epsilon(r)) of 11.4, an unloaded quality factor (Qu 9 f) of 13,100 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (tau(f)) of 14 ppm/degrees C were obtained when Li2SnO3 ceramics were sintered at 1,325 degrees C for 2 h.