Effect of raw materials pretreated by physical grinding method on the sintering ability and microwave dielectric properties of Li2MgTiO4 ceramics

Highlights: • Li₂MgTiO₄ ceramics were prepared using the uniform and fine powders (LMT-1 method). • LMT-1 method decreased the porosity of Li₂MgTiO₄ ceramics. • LMT-1 method improved the Q×f values, ε_r and τ_f value of Li₂MgTiO₄ ceramics. • LMT-1 method broaden the sintering temperature range of Li₂MgTiO₄ ceramics. Li₂MgTiO₄-1 (abbreviated as LMT-1) ceramics were synthesized via the solid state reaction method using the pretreated raw materials. The unpretreated raw materials were used in the preparation of Li₂MgTiO₄-2 (abbreviated as LMT-2) ceramics. The particle size of LMT-1 powders is smaller and more uniform than that of LMT-2 powders and the porosity of LMT-1 ceramics is lower than that of LMT-2 ceramics. The microwave dielectric properties of LMT-1 ceramics keep a relatively stable value at a wide sintering temperature range. The slight fluctuation of sintering temperature will lead to great changes in the microwave dielectric properties of LMT-2 ceramics. The pretreatment of raw materials enhances the sintering ability and broadens the sintering temperature range of the Li₂MgTiO₄ ceramics.