This article presents a parameters investigation of microstrip antenna substrate produced by niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) powder metallurgy. Theoretical studies and experimental measurements of the substrate electrical properties were performed. The niobium pentoxide compaction pressure and the sintering temperature were studied in order to determine a relationship between pressure, temperature and electrical properties, aiming to apply to a microstrip patch antenna. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:641–645, 2017