Dielectric properties of rubber ferrite composites containing mixed ferrites

Rubber ferrite composites (RFC) are important since they have useful applic ations as microwave absorbers and flexible magnets. The mouldability of the se composites into complex shapes is another advantage. The evaluation of t heir dielectric and magnetic properties is important in understanding the p hysical properties of these composites. Pre-characterized nickel zinc ferri tes (Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 where 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1 in steps of 0.2) prepared by ceramic techniques were incorporated in to a b utyl rubber matrix according to a specific recipe to yield RFCs. The dielec tric constant of ceramic Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 and the butyl rubber composites inco rporated with Nir,Zn,Fez04 are studied as a function of frequency, composit ion, loading and temperature. The observed data indicates that the dependen ce of the dielectric constant on frequency follows Maxwell-Wagner interfaci al polarization. The compositional (zinc content, i.e. x value) dependence shows that the dielectric constant increases initially and reaches a maximu m value for the composition corresponding to x = 0.6 and thereafter it decr eases. This can be explained on the basis of porosity and alternating curre nt (AC) conductivity. It was also observed that the dielectric constant of the composite material increases with an increase of the volume fraction of the magnetic filler. These observations satisfy some mixture equations, wh ich correlate the dielectric constant of the matrix, filler and the composi tes. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant of the ceramic s amples as well as the RFCs shows an increase with an increase of temperatur e at low frequencies. The dielectric constant of the blank butyl rubber was also determined. It was observed that for a blank sample (without filler) the dielectric constant decreases with an increase of temperature. This is due to the decrease in polymer density with increase in temperature. These results suggest that the magnetic and dielectric properties of RFCs can be manipulated by appropriate loading and a judicious choice of the magnetic f iller. The modification of these properties will aid in the design of compo site materials for microwave absorbers.