Dielectric,mechanical and thermal properties of polymer/BaTiO3 composites for embedded capacitor

Barium titanate (BaTiO₃) filled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composites were prepared using the simple solution method followed by hot pressing. The content of BaTiO₃ was varied from 0 to 65 vol.%. Scanning electron microscopy showed good dispersion and adhesion of BaTiO₃ with the PMMA matrix. The dielectric constant of the composites increased significantly. There was weak dispersion in the dielectric constant of the composites (up to 45 vol.%) with frequency between 100 Hz and 15 MHz. The dissipation factor of the composites increased from 0.021 for pure PMMA to 0.029 for 45 vol.% composites. However, 65 vol.% composite showed dispersion in dielectric constant with increasing frequency and higher dissipation factor. The Lichtenecker equation agreed well with the experimental data. The microhardness and the glass transition temperature of the composites increased approximately 4.7-fold and 42 °C, respectively, compared to pure PMMA. The CTE of the 65 vol.% composite is close to that of copper.     

Effect of silane as coupling agent on the dielectric properties of BaTiO3-epoxy composites

The influence of silane coupling agents on the microstructure and dielectric behaviour of epoxy/BaTiO₃ composites was studied. Epoxy was diluted using tetrahydrofuran as solvent in order to facilitate the mixing step. Methoxy silane was applied onto ceramic particles. Different diluted aqueous solutions with 0.25, 0.35 and 0.50 wt% of silane/BaTiO₃ were used. Dipping technique was utilised to obtain composite films. Dielectric measurements were performed from 25 Hz to 1 MHz and from 20 °C to 120 °C. Composites presented good dielectric properties and a strong dependence with the silane concentration.     

Effect of silver incorporation into PVDF-barium titanate composites for EMI shielding applications

Composites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with micron and nano sized BaTiO₃ powders were developed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications in the X band. PVDF-nano BaTiO₃ composites show better shielding property compared to PVDF-micron sized BaTiO₃ composites. The composite of PVDF with 40 vol% of nano BaTiO₃ showed the best EMI shielding effectiveness and is about 9 dB. The contributions from reflection and absorption to the total EMI shielding effectiveness is same for the PVDF-BaTiO₃ composites. Addition of small amount of silver particles improved the shielding properties of these composites due to the increased conductivity. An EMI shielding effectiveness of about 26 dB is obtained in the measured frequency range for the PVDF-20 vol% nano BaTiO₃-10 vol% Ag composite of thickness 1.2 mm. Novel three phase composite combining the advantages of metal, nano ceramic and polymer is obtained with the potential for effective EMI shielding applications.     

Agrofibre reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites: Effect of moisture on degradation and mechanical properties

Natural fibre reinforced PLA composites are a 100% biobased material with a promising mechanical properties profile. However, natural fibres are hygroscopic whereas PLA is sensitive to hydrolytic degradation under melt processing conditions in the presence of small amounts of water. Here, we determine the effect of water content in undried and dried natural fibres on semi crystalline grade PLA degradation during processing as well as on the composite’s mechanical performance. The fibres evaluated are ramie, flax and cotton, containing 6–9 mass% moisture in the undried state and 0.2–0.4 mass% in the dried state. Intrinsic viscosity and melt flow index analysis indicate that the effect of the different levels of moisture in the fibres have a similar and small effect on PLA degradation, PLA hydrolysis appears rather affected by fibre diameter. Morphology, flexural strength and stiffness and Charpy impact of the composites are not significantly affected by the water present in the undried fibres.     

Preparation of high k expanded graphite/CaCuTi4O12/cyanate ester composites with low dielectric loss through controlling the interfacial action between conductors and ceramics

New composites with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, based on expanded graphite (EG), CaCuTi₄O₁₂ (sCCTO) and cyanate ester (CE) resin, were developed by controlling the interaction between EG and sCCTO. Difference from EG, surface modified EG (mEG) has an additional strong chemical interaction with sCCTO, this not only improves the dispersion of fillers, but also enhances the filler-matrix interfacial adhesion, leading to different micro-structures and dielectric properties. Specifically, the percolation thresholds of mEG/sCCTO/CE and EG/sCCTO/CE composites are 3.45 vol% and 2.86 vol%, respectively. When the loading of conductors approaches the percolation threshold, mEG/sCCTO/CE composite has much higher dielectric constant and lower dielectric loss than EG/sCCTO/CE composite. The nature behind these attractive data was revealed by building an equivalent circuit.     

Low temperature sintering and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 with glass addition

To develop low-temperature-fired BaTiO₃-based ceramics, the effects of various glasses (BaO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ (BBS), PbO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ (PBS), and ZnO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ (ZBS1: 57 mol%ZnO–33 mol%B₂O₃–10 mol%SiO₂ and ZBS2: 60.7 mol%ZnO–24.9 mol%B₂O₃–14.4 mol%SiO₂)) addition on both the sintering behavior and dielectric properties of BaTiO₃ were investigated. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dilatometer were used to examine the effect of various glasses on the densification of BaTiO₃ and the chemical reaction between the glass and BaTiO₃. The results indicate that ZBS2 glass can be used as a sintering aid to reduce the sintering temperature of BaTiO₃ from 1300 °C to 900 °C without the formation of secondary phase. The dielectric properties of BaTiO₃ with ZBS2 glass sintered at 900 °C show a relative density of 95%, a high dielectric constant of 994, and a dielectric loss of 1.6%.     

Improving the electromechanical performance of dielectric elastomers using silicone rubber and dopamine coated barium titanate

In this work, a new soft dielectric elastomer (DE) was fabricated from dopamine coated barium titanate particles and silicone rubber (SR). The results showed that the barium titanate (BaTiO₃, BT) was coated by dopamine and the coated particles were highly compatible with SR. In order to achieve a maximum voltage-induced deformation, the minimum secant moduli of DEs were obtained in experimentation at a stretch ratio of approximately 1.6 by applying equi-biaxial tensile strain using the bubble inflation method. Additionally, it was found that the addition of DP-BT into SR led to an increased dielectric constant and decreased dielectric loss tangent for the matrix by comparison with SR/BT composites. Furthermore, the electromechanical properties of the SR/DP-BT composites were greatly improved in terms of voltage-induced deformation (s_a), electromechanical energy density (e) and coupling efficiency (K²). A maximum actuated area strain of approximately 78%, which was 30% larger than that of the SR/BT composites, was achieved for the sample having a DP-BT content of 20 wt.%. This strain corresponded to a low dielectric strength of around 53 V/μm, the composite exhibited a maximum energy density of 0.07 MJ/m³ and coupling efficiency of 0.68.     

Mechanical properties of soil buried kenaf fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites

A study on mechanical properties of soil buried kenaf fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites is presented in this paper. Kenaf bast fibre reinforced TPU composites were prepared via melt-mixing method using Haake Polydrive R600 internal mixer. The composites with 30% fibre loading were prepared based on some important parameters; i.e. 190 °C for reaction temperature, 11 min for reaction time and 400 rpm for rotating speed. The composites were subjected to soil burial tests where the purpose of these tests was to study the effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of the composites. Tensile and flexural properties of the composites were determined before and after the soil burial tests for 20, 40, 60 and 80 days. The percentages of both moisture uptake and weight gain after soil burial tests were recorded. Tensile strength of kenaf fibre reinforced TPU composite dropped to ∼16.14 MPa after 80 days of soil burial test. It was also observed that there was no significant change in flexural properties of soil buried kenaf fibre reinforced TPU composite specimens.     

Perovskite phase stabilization and dielectric properties of Pb(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3–BaTiO3 ceramics

The phase structure and dielectric properties of (1 − x)Pb(Zn_1/3Ta_2/3)O₃–xBaTiO₃ (x = 0.00–0.40) ceramics were investigated. Pure perovskite is obtained when x ≥ 0.24. With increasing BT content, the diffuse phase transition and frequency dissipation of the dielectric constant increase and the dielectric maxima temperature decreases. It is related to the existing of Ba(Zn_1/3Ta_2/3)O₃ paraelectric microregions and the incomplete solid solution reaction between Pb(Zn_1/3Ta_2/3)O₃ and BaTiO₃.     

Microstructure and properties of the Si3N4/silica aerogel composites fabricated by the sol–gel method via ambient pressure drying

Si₃N₄ particle reinforced silica aerogel composites have been fabricated by the sol–gel method via ambient pressure drying. The microstructure and mechanical, thermal insulation and dielectric properties of the composites were investigated. The effect of the Si₃N₄ content on the microstructure and properties were also clarified. The results indicate that the obtained mesoporous composites exhibit low thermal conductivity (0.024–0.072 Wm^− 1 K^− 1), low dielectric constant (1.55–1.85) and low loss tangent (0.005–0.007). As the Si₃N₄ content increased from 5 to 20 vol.%, the compressive strength and the flexural strength of the composites increased from 3.21 to 12.05 MPa and from 0.36 to 2.45 MPa, respectively. The obtained composites exhibit considerable promise in wave transparency and thermal insulation functional integration applications.     

High-temperature properties and associated structure evolution of continuous SiNO fiber-reinforced BN composites for wave transparency

Continuous SiNO fiber-reinforced boron nitride (SiNO_f/BN) composites for high-temperature wave transparency have been fabricated by a precursor infiltration pyrolysis (PIP) process using borazine as the BN precursor. The evolution of the properties of the composites at elevated temperatures have been measured in terms of strength, dielectric constant, and loss tangent, and the associated structure evolution has been investigated by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, and FTIR. A flexural strength of 138 MPa was maintained up to 1200 °C. Deterioration of the mechanical properties at elevated temperature was due to crystallization of the amorphous SiNO fibers into Si₂N₂O and internal pore formation, coupled with interface reactions. The composites display a low dielectric constant of 3.38 and a low loss tangent of 0.0017, which increases slightly with temperature due in part to the crystallization into Si₂N₂O and high-temperature polarization. The high-temperature mechanical properties and good dielectric properties of these composites make them useful for wave transparency.     

Dielectric characteristics of Ga doped TbMnO3

Low-frequency (0.1–200 kHz) dielectric properties of Tb_1?xGa_xMnO₃ and TbGa_yMn_1?yO₃ (x, y = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) ceramic composites, which were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction, were investigated in the temperature range from 77 to 350 K. Both dielectric constants and loss tangent (tan δ) increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing frequency, respectively. Interestingly, the dielectric constants of Tb_1?xGa_xMnO₃ are as large as that of the parent TbMnO₃, while the loss tangent reduces remarkably and less than 1 at high frequencies. These improvements demonstrate that Ga doped TbMnO₃ may have potential applications.     

High-temperature dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of SiCf/SiC composites using Ti3SiC2 as inert filler

Ti₃SiC₂ filler has been introduced into SiC_f/SiC composites by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process to optimize the dielectric properties for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications in the temperatures of 25–600 °C at 8.2–12.4 GHz. Results indicate that the flexural strength of SiC_f/SiC composites is improved from 217 MPa to 295 MPa after incorporating the filler. Both the complex permittivity and tan δ of the composites show obvious temperature-dependent behavior and increase with the increasing temperatures. The absorption, reflection and total shielding effectiveness of the composites with Ti₃SiC₂ filler are enhanced from 13 dB, 7 dB and 20 dB to 24 dB, 21 dB and 45 dB respectively with the temperatures increase from 25 °C to 600 °C. The mechanisms for the corresponding enhancements are also proposed. The superior absorption shielding effectiveness is the dominant EMI shielding mechanism. The optimized EMI shielding properties suggest their potentials for the future shielding applications at temperatures from 25 °C to 600 °C.     

Continuous fibre composites with a nanocomposite matrix: Improvement of flexural and compressive strength at elevated temperatures

Polymer layered silicate nanocomposites can improve the flexural and compressive strength of continuous fibre reinforced composites by means of increasing the matrix modulus. A three-phase thermoplastic composite consisting of a main reinforcing phase of woven glass fibres and a polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposite matrix was fabricated. Flexural testing of a conventional PA6 fibre composite has shown a decrease of the flexural strength upon increasing temperature. This behaviour is associated with the decrease of the matrix modulus, especially above T_g. The nanocomposite used in this study has a modulus that is much higher than unfilled PA6, even above T_g and after moisture conditioning. The results showed that the fibre composites with a nanocomposite matrix have a more than 40% increased flexural and compressive strength at elevated temperatures. This also means that the temperature at which the materials can be used is increased by 40–50 °C. Therefore, by using a nanocomposite matrix the high temperature performance of fibre composites can be improved without any change in processing conditions. The combination with other advantages of nanocomposites in areas such as barrier properties, flammability and creep makes this a very attractive approach.     

Fabrication and characterization of 3-D Cf/ZrC composites by low-temperature liquid metal infiltration

Three-dimensional braided carbon fiber-reinforced ZrC matrix composite, 3-D C_f/ZrC, were prepared by liquid metal infiltration process at 1200 °C using a Zr₂Cu intermetallic compound as infiltrator. The microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated. The results indicated that ZrC with a yield of 35.2 ± 1.8 vol.% was certified as the major phase of the composites. The formation of ZrC was controlled by a solution-precipitation mechanism. The obtained composites exhibited good mechanical properties, with a flexural strength of 293.0 ± 12.1 MPa, a flexural modulus of 82.7 ± 6.4 GPa and a fracture toughness of 9.8 ± 0.9 MPa m^1/2. The mass and linear ablation rates of the composites exposed to oxyacetylene torch were 0.0013 ± 0.0005 g s⁻¹ and −0.0009 ± 0.0003 mm s⁻¹, respectively. The formation of a dense ZrO₂ protective layer and the evaporation of residual Cu contributed mainly to the excellent ablation resistance.     

Mechanical and morphological properties of fly ash/epoxy composites using conventional thermal and microwave curing methods

Conventional thermal and microwave curing methods were utilized to cure fly ash/epoxy composites, and the mechanical and morphological properties of the composites were evaluated. The conventional thermal curing was performed at 70 °C for 80 min while microwave curing was carried out at 240 W for 18 min in order to achieve the optimum cure of the composites, determined using Differential Scanning Calorimeter. The results suggested that the tensile and flexural moduli of the composites increased with increasing fly ash content while the effect became opposite for tensile, flexural and impact strengths, and tensile strain at break. Improved mechanical properties of the composite could be obtained by addition of N-2(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane coupling agent, the contents of 0.5 wt% being recommended for the optimum mechanical properties. Beyond these recommended contents, the mechanical properties greatly reduced, except for the flexural modulus. The comparative results indicated that the composites by the microwave cure consumed shorter cure time and had higher ultimate strengths (especially impact strength), and strain at break than those by the conventional thermal cure. The composites with higher tensile and flexural moduli could be obtained by the conventional thermal cure.     

Optical nonlinearities of BaTiO3 matrix-embedded Au nanoparticles

Composite thin films Au/BaTiO₃ comprising nanometer-sized gold particles embedded in BaTiO₃ matrices were synthesized on MgO(1 0 0) substrates by co-depositing Au and BaTiO₃ targets using pulsed laser deposition technique. The nanostructure of the films and the size distributions of the Au particles were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Crystal lattice fringes from the Au nanocrystals and BaTiO₃ matrices were observed. The nonlinear optical properties of the Au/BaTiO₃ films were measured using z-scan method at the wavelength of 532 nm with a laser duration of 10 ns. The nonlinear refractive index n₂ and the nonlinear absorption coefficient β were determined to be 2.72 × 10⁻⁶ esu and −1.1 × l0⁻⁶ m/W, respectively.     

Effect of coupling agents on the dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/PVDF composites

Phase-pure calcium copper titanate (CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂, CCTO) ceramic particles were synthesized via a sol–gel route. The CCTO was treated by bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (Si69) to give CCTO@Si69. The dielectric composites based on CCTO (or CCTO@Si69) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were molded with desirable dielectric properties by mechanical mixing process and hot-pressing. The structures of CCTO and CCTO@Si69 were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The stretching vibration of SO at 1096 cm⁻¹ in FTIR is an indication that chemical bond was formed between Si69 and CCTO. The influence of Si69 on the preparation and the dielectric properties of CCTO/PVDF dielectric composites were discussed. When the content of Si69 was 0.1 mL (relative to 1 g of CCTO), the dielectric constant (ε) (at a frequency of 1 kHz) of CCTO@Si69/PVDF composites reached the maximum value of 84, this value is 5.25 times that of an equal amount of CCTO of CCTO/PVDF composites (ε ≈ 16). The CCTO/PVDF and CCTO@Si69/PVDF composites had very stable dielectric properties over a wide range of temperatures (20–160 °C). These composites can be applied as high-energy–density capacitors in electronic and electrical engineering fields.     

Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional PMR polyimide composites reinforced with woven basalt fabric

A PMR polyimide composite reinforced with three-dimensional (3D) woven basalt fabric is fabricated for medium high temperature applications. The PMR polyimide matrix resin is derived from 4,4′-methylenediamine (MDA), diethyl ester of 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphthalic (ODPE) and monoethyl ester of Cis-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (NE). The rheological properties of the PMR polyimide matrix resin are investigated. Based on the curing reaction of the PMR type polyimide and the rheological properties, an optimum two-step fabrication method is proposed. The three dimensional fabric preforms are impregnated with the polyimide resin in a vacuum oven at 70 °C for 1 h followed by removing the solvent and pre-imidization. The composites are then consolidated by an optimized molding procedure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that needle shaped voids are generated in yarns and the void volume fraction is 4.27%. The decomposition temperature and the temperature at 5% weight loss of the composite post-cured at 320 °C for 24 h are 440 °C and 577 °C, respectively. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of the composite are measured by circular cavity method at 7–12 GHz. The tensile strength and the modulus in the warp direction of the composite are 436 MPa and 22.7 GPa. The composite shows a layer-by-layer fracture mode in three-point bending test. The flexure strength and modulus in the warp direction of the composite are 673 MPa and 27.1 GPa, respectively.     

The role of epoxy matrix occlusions within BaTiO3 nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of functionalized BaTiO3/epoxy nanocomposites

In this work, the effects of controlled nanoparticles aggregations of barium titanate (BaTiO₃) on the dielectric properties of epoxy nanocomposites are investigated in detail with respect to different experimental parameters like frequency, ceramic content and temperature. Dispersing silanized BaTiO₃ nanopowder under ultrasonic and stir, nanocomposites of epoxy-amine matrix with different morphologies are obtained. The nanoparticles silane functionalization containing amine end groups effectively improve the compatibility of the nano-BaTiO₃ and the epoxy matrix. Storage modulus, glass transition temperature, tensile and flexural properties of nanocomposites and dielectric properties are increased until 10% by weight of nano-BaTiO₃ loading, well dispersed in the matrix. Above 10 wt.% of nano-BaTiO₃, scanning electronic microscopy and thermal analysis showed that agglomeration of nanoparticles occurs. Rheological and mechanical nanocomposites properties were evaluated and matrix occlusion behaviors were identified. In light of the specific behavior of the occluded polymer, the dielectric properties, especially dielectric loss are discussed.