Md. Bakey Billa
Pusat Sains Angkasa (ANGKASA), Institut Perubahan Iklim, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract: The development of low dielectric flexible materials for microwave applications has been significantly advanced through the use of sol-gel synthesized Zn-Ca-Co ferrites. These materials exhibit controlled crystallinity and particle size, as the sol-gel method allows for precise fine-tuning of synthesis parameters to achieve uniform cation distribution, which is essential for stable dielectric performance at high frequencies. Specifically, the Zn₀.₅₋ₓCa₀.₁Co₀.₄₊ₓFe₂O₄ system has shown promise, with dielectric constants reportedly adjustable in the range of 1.34 to 1.84 through calcium substitution, thus facilitating tailored electromagnetic responses for microwave sensor integration. Additionally, control over particle growth via ion substitution refines the microstructure, ensuring both flexibility and low dielectric properties that are fundamental for next-generation metamaterial sensors.