Preparation and Characterization of ZnO99.5-x NiO0.5 . CuOx Ceramics

The microstructure and (I V) characteristics of bodies in the system ZnO99.5-x. NiO0.5. CuOx where x lie between 0.3 to 6 mol % and sintered at 1100-C were verified. The microstructure revealed the presence of ZnO grains embedded in a glassy matrix mainly formed of CuO. The incorporation of CuO reduced the abnormal grain growth of ZnO and improved the nonlinear property of the bodies. Highest coefficient of non-linearity was obtained by the addition of 4.0 mol % CuO, with a value of 115.6.