Preparation and characterisation of Sb 2 O 3 with or without Cr 2 O 3 and CoO containing ZnO varistors

Abstract

Zinc oxide samples with different contents of Sb₂O₃ with or without Cr₂O₃ and CoO have been prepared by conventional ceramic processing for use as varistors. Reaction sintering was performed at 1200 and 1300°C. X-ray studies indicate that the mixtures contained mainly zincite phase together with two different chemical formulas of spinel-like structure, β-Zn₇Sb₂O₁₂ and Zn_2.33Sb_0.67O₄, at 1200 and 1300°C respectively. ZnCr₂O₄ and CoCr₂O₄ were also formed as spinel-like structures besides Zn_2.33Sb_0.67O₄ and zincite phase in the mixtures doped with Cr₂O₃ and CoO at 1200 and 1300°C. Variation in current–voltage (I–V) characteristics is discussed in terms of microstructural and crystallographic changes in the varistors. The addition of Cr₂O₃ and CoO to the ZnO varistors containing Sb₂O₃ has been confirmed to be effective in enhancing non-linear behaviour.

Keywords

ANTIMONY BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE DOPANTS NON-LINEAR BEHAVIOUR VARISTORS ZINC OXIDE

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