Low filler volume concentration composite dielectrics

One avenue for synthesizing a high energy density capacitor while circumventing the manufacturing problems and low breakdown strength associated with dense, sintered ceramics, is to incorporate low volume concentrations of well dispersed high permittivity filler, such as barium titanate, in conjunction with polymers, naturally high breakdown strength materials. The focus of this work was to examine the factors that influence the energy density of a composite: the breakdown strength and dielectric constant.; First, the breakdown strength of composites synthesized with low filler volume concentrations of particles, barium titanate and titanium dioxide, in an epoxy matrix, was determined. The impact of commercial dispersants, phosphate esters and menhaden fish oil particle size, and solvent polarity on the electrical performance of the epoxy based composite was assessed by thermogravimetrie analysis, and Weibull distributions of the breakdown strength data.; The surface of BaTiO3 was found to contain BaCO3 using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Dispersion quality of acid washed BaTiO3 improved over as-received powder with comparable incorporation of dispersant and solvent system. T1O2 was used as a model to simulate the Ti-rich surface created after acid washing.; A range of solids loading, from 5 to 40% volume, for a BaTiO3/epoxy composite system was used to determine the optimum trade-off in factors influencing energy density, dielectric constant or breakdown strength. The composites' components and electrical properties were characterized. Sample and electrode geometry were modified to impart a calculated dielectric constant without the influence of enhanced electric field lines.