In situ processing of electroceramic fine particles/polymer hybrids

Electroceramic fine particles/polymer hybrids have been receiving great att ention in emerging areas. The conventional blending of fine particles into polymer or oligomer causes the particle agglomeration, leading to the degra dation of properties. The newly developed method is based on the nucleation and growth control of crystalline oxide particles in organic matrix throug h the reaction control of a metallorganic precursor with a combination of t he hydrolysis and polymerization below 100 degreesC. The selection of react ion conditions does influence the size and crystallinity of ceramic particl es in the organic matrix. The nano-sized magnetic particle/polymer hybrid e xhibits the interesting feature of superparamagnetics and quantum size effe ct. The crystalline particles of BaTiO3/, and PbTiO3/polymer hybrids behave to be dielectric and show the typical electro-rheological behavior, which affords emerging areas. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.