Effect of temperature and frequency on dielectric properties of mechanically produced Nano-CSZ ceramics

Abstract

Powders of stabilised zirconia of nano sizes were produced from initial micron sized powders mechanically in ball milling under cryogenic conditions. Calcia stabilisation of zirconia at 9, 12 and 15 mol% were produced mechanically and techniques of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were all used to confirm that powders had been reduced to nano size and had developed stabilised structures. Sintering took place at 1600 °C for 2 h, with produced pellet samples. The A.C. conductivity and dielectric constant of the samples were measured with a 2 probe impedance technique. The dielectric constant fell exponentially with increasing frequency over the temperature range. Increase in temperature and an increase in frequency led to an increase in the AC electrical conductivity. Nano-CSZ inexpensive powders that have been prepared are beneficial for SOFC uses.