Characterisation of Electrical Properties of Kaolinite Clay from Abia State for Electronic Substrate Applications

Background: Nigeria possesses abundant clay mineral deposits, including kaolinite, which has potential for use as a dielectric material in low-cost electronic substrates. Characterisation of its electrical properties is a necessary precursor to application development. Aim: This study characterised the electrical properties of kaolinite clay samples sourced from Abia State, South East Nigeria. Methods: Clay samples were collected, purified, and pressed into pellet form. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent, and electrical conductivity were measured using an LCR meter across a frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. X-ray fluorescence was used to confirm compositional purity. Results: The dielectric constant of purified kaolinite ranged from 4.8 to 6.2 across the frequency range, with loss tangent values below 0.04 at 1 MHz, indicating suitability as a dielectric material. Electrical conductivity increased with temperature, characteristic of a ceramic insulator. Conclusion: Abia State kaolinite exhibits electrical properties consistent with use as a low-cost dielectric substrate for capacitor and antenna fabrication. Further studies should investigate sintering effects and comparison with imported alumina substrates to establish commercial viability. Keywords: kaolinite, dielectric properties, electronic substrate, Abia State, clay minerals.