Abstract
The frequency dependent conductivity and permittivity of a ceramic composite are modelled using electrical networks consisting of randomly positioned resistors and capacitors. The electrical network represents a heterogeneous microstructure that contains both insulating (the capacitor) and conductive regions (the resistor). To validate model results, a model ceramic conductor-insulator composite was designed consisting of a porous lead zirconate titanate impregnated with different concentrations of water. Excellent agreement between experimental and model data was achieved with a strong correlation with many other ceramics, glasses and composites. It is proposed that the 'universal' dielectric response of many materials is a consequence of microstructural heterogeneity. The modelling approach could be used as a simple and effective method for microstructural design of ceramics and other materials with tailored dielectric properties.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 719-724 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Materials Science and Technology |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Keywords
- Electric insulators
- Ceramic materials
- Zirconium compounds
- Electric conductivity
- Resistors
- Permittivity
- Microstructure