Improvement of non-linear characteristics of multicomponent ZnO-based ceramics containing Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5/

The combined effect of minor variations in the Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5/ content and initial particle size on the current-voltage characteristics and energy handling capability of ZnO-based composites is reported. Samples containing 0.2 wt.% of Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5/ along with other additive oxides, prepared as a finely milled mixture, were found to possess the best overall properties, characterized by high nonlinearity index ( approximately=60), low leakage current (0.6-1.2 mu A/cm/sup 2/) long life (>150 y), among the samples studied. Addition of Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5/ above 0.2 wt.%, maintaining other parameters constant, was found to degrade the electrical characteristics due to the excessive formation of Zn/sub 3/Nb/sub 2/O/sub 8/ spinel phase.<
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