Synthesis, low-temperature sintering and the dielectric properties of the ZnO-(1 - x)TiO₂-xSnO₂ (x = 0.04-0.2)

ZnO-(1 - x)TiO₂-xSnO₂ (x = 0.04-0.2) ceramics were prepared by conventional mixed-oxide method combined with a chemical processing. Fine particle powders were prepared by chemical processing to activate the formation of compound and to improve the sinterability. One wt.% of V₂O₅ and B₂O₃ with the mole ratios of 3:1 were used to lower the sintering temperature of ceramics. The effect of Sn content on phase structure and dielectric properties were investigated. The results show that the substituting Sn for Ti accelerates the hexagonal phase transition to cubic phase, and an inverse spinel structure Zn₂(Ti_1-xSn_x)O₄ solid solution forms. The best dielectric properties obtained at x = 0.12. The ZnO-0.88TiO₂-0.12SnO₂ ceramics sintered at 900 °C exhibit a good dielectric property: ε_r = 29 and tan δ = 9.86 × 10^-5. Due to their good dielectric properties, low firing characteristics, ZnO-(1 - x)TiO₂-xSnO₂ (x = 0.04-0.2) can serve as the promising microwave dielectric capacitor.