CuO/HAp composites: Excellent dielectric materials

Abstract

The present study deals with the dielectric properties of hydroxyapatite based nanocomposites. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramic has been prepared by facile wet chemical precipitation technique. The synthesized HAp is used as a matrix material and copper oxide (CuO) is used as a reinforcing material for the preparation of composites. The CuO/HAp particle reinforced composites have been developed just by mixing them mechanically with variable concentrations. These composites are characterised by X-ray diffraction, and FTIR techniques. The dielectric properties like dielectric constant, dissipation factor and AC conductivity were investigated in the frequency range 10 Hz–2 MHz. All CuO blended composites show higher dielectric constant than pure HAp. Composite with 60% HAp–40% CuO has exhibited highest dielectric constant. The composites show a trend of gradual decrease in dielectric constant and dielectric loss with increase in frequency. The AC conductivity remains constant in low frequency region and increases linearly at high frequencies. The dielectric properties are found to be the function of concentration of metal oxide particles. The composites may be used for high k-material applications.