Particle clustering and dielectric enhancement in percolating metal–insulator composites

Abstract

An effective cluster model has been developed [Phys. Rev. B 42, 9319 (1990)] that treats a disordered suspension of monodisperse metal spheres as a mixture of isolated spheres and close-packed spherical clusters of spheres using the Clausius–Mossotti or Maxwell equations. The effective cluster model is adapted to such suspensions with a random intermingled cluster topology using Bruggemann’s symmetrical equation. Model susceptibilities for the two cluster topologies are contrasted with one another and compared with experiments. Guillien’s permittivity measurements [Ann. Phys. (Paris) Ser. 11 16, 205 (1941)] and Turner’s conductivity measurements [Chem. Eng. Sci. 31, 487 (1976)] exemplify nonpercolating island topology suspensions. The permittivity measurements of Grannan, Garland, and Tanner [Phys. Rev. Lett. 46, 375 (1981)] exemplify percolating random topology clusters. The models for both cluster topologies are in excellent agreement with experiment over the entire accessible range of volume loading.