Low‐temperature sintering and thermal stability of Li2GeO3‐based microwave dielectric ceramics with low permittivity.

Abstract: A low‐permittivity dielectric ceramic Li₂GeO₃ was prepared by the solid‐state reaction route. Single‐phase Li₂GeO₃ crystallized in an orthorhombic structure. Dense ceramics with high relative density and homogeneous microstructure were obtained as sintered at 1000‐1100°C. The optimum microwave dielectric properties were achieved in the sample sintered at 1080°C with a high relative density ~ 96%, a relative permittivity ε_r ~ 6.36, a quality factor Q × f ~ 29 000 GHz (at 14.5 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency τ_f ~ −72 ppm/^°C. The sintering temperature of Li₂GeO₃ was successfully lowered via the appropriate addition of B₂O₃. Only 2 wt.% B₂O₃ addition contributed to a 21.2% decrease in sintering temperature to 850°C without deteriorating the dielectric properties. The temperature dependence of the resonance frequency was successfully suppressed by the addition of TiO₂ to form Li₂TiO₃ with a positive τ_f value. These results demonstrate potential applications of Li₂GeO₃ in low‐temperature cofiring ceramics technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]