Investigation into the processing and characterisation of piezoelectric nanocomposites

The results from the characterisation of the 'nanocomposite' barium titanate-silicon carbide in terms of dielectric properties and microstructure is presented. Although a grain size reduction indicates a possible mechanical property improvement, chemical reactions occur and the barium titanate is reduced to a semiconductor/conductor that is unsuitable for dielectric applications. Work is also focused on the addition of silver into a barium titanate matrix, which show an increase in the permittivity with increased silver content (up to 20wt%).