A precise numerical prediction of effective dielectric constant for polymer-ceramic composite based on effective-medium theory

Abstract
Nanostructure polymer-ceramic composite with high dielectric constant (/spl epsiv//sub /spl tau///spl sim/90) has been developed for embedded capacitor application. This polymer-ceramic system consists of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) ceramic particle and modified high-dielectric constant low-viscosity epoxy resin. In order to obtain precise prediction of effective dielectric constant of this composite, an empirical prediction model based on self-consistent theory is proposed. The electrical polarization mechanism and interaction between epoxy resin and ceramic filler has been studied. This model can establish the relevant constitutional parameters of polymer-ceramic composite materials such as particle shape, composition, and connectivity that determine the dielectric properties of the composite. This model is simpler, uses fewer parameters and its prediction compares better with experiment (error <10%). The precision and simplicity of the model can be exploited for predictions of the properties and design of nanostructure ferroelectric polymer-ceramic composites. The effective-medium theory (EMT) has been proved a good tool to predict effective properties of nanocomposites.