Low loss and excellent stability of Zn0.7Mg0.3TiO3 ceramics with V2O5–TiO2 addition for application in low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology†

Abstract

Ceramics composed of Zn_0.7Mg_0.3TiO₃ are employed in creating microwave devices because of their outstanding dielectric characteristics. Nonetheless, their elevated sintering temperature poses a significant challenge, rendering them unsuitable for meeting industrial production standards. Innovative Zn_0.7Mg_0.3TiO₃ ceramics, enhanced with V₂O₅ and TiO₂, were synthesized using a solid-state reaction technique. Findings revealed that V₂O₅ and TiO₂ serve as effective sintering aids, leading to an improved densification rate and a decrease in the sintering temperature. Exceptional microwave dielectric characteristics were achieved by sintering Zn_0.7Mg_0.3TiO₃ ceramics (x = 1.5) at 950 °C: ε_r ≈ 20.92, Q × f ≈ 25862.7 GHz (@8.6 GHz), and τ_f ≈ −15.2 ppm °C⁻¹. Additionally, the optimal τ_f value is nearly 30% higher than that reported in existing literature (which is only −55 ppm °C⁻¹). Based on the P–V–L theory, Zn/Mg–O and Ti–O bonds contribute significantly to the dielectric constant and internal losses. The τ_f parameter is influenced directly by the distortion within the octahedral [TiO₆]. Incorporating V₂O₅ and TiO₂ into Zn_0.7Mg_0.3TiO₃ ceramics endows them with considerable potential for utilization in LTCC microwave devices.