LAUSR

Rutile-structured CoTiNb2O8 ceramics were synthesized via traditional solid-state route. The effects of LiF addition on their sintering behavior, phase composition, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties were investigated systematically in this study. The sintering temperature was successfully lowered to 950 °C by a small amount (1 wt%) of sintering aid. XRD and EDS results indicated that chemical reaction between LiF and host ceramic took place during sintering process. And CoTiNb2O8 with Li0.8Co0.2Nb0.96O3 second phase coexisted in the entire composition range. The addition of LiF to the CoTiNb2O8 ceramics induced a limited degradation in microwave dielectric properties. The εr and Q × f values of the low-fired CoTiNb2O8 ceramics ranged from 39.4 to 53.9 and 17,580 GHz to 20,147 GHz, respectively. While the τf decreased in negative values with increasing LiF content. When sintered at 950 °C, the CoTiNb2O8 ceramic doped with 1 wt% LiF had excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 53.9, Q × f = 20,147 GHz, and τf = 77.2 ppm/°C, making them promising for LTCC applications.