Nonlinear electrical characteristics and dielectric properties of Ca,Ta-doped TiO 2 varistors

Abstract

Ca,Ta-doped TiO2 varistors with high nonlinear coefficients are obtained by a ceramic sintering. The nonlinear electrical and dielectric properties of the samples doped with 0.5mol% Ca and various concentrations of Ta (0.05∼2.0mol%) were investigated. The samples sintered at 1350 °C have nonlinear coefficients of α=5.1∼42.1 and high relative dielectric constants approach 105. The effects of Ta-doping on the nonlinear and dielectric properties of the Ca,Ta-doped TiO2 varistors are studied in greater detail. When the concentration of Ta is 0.5mol%, the sample possesses the highest nonlinear coefficient and a comparatively lower dielectric constant. The effects of Ta and the nonlinear electrical behavior of the TiO2 system are explained by analogy to a grain-boundary atomic defect model.