Thermal Laboratory

DIELECTRIC AND CURIE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT OF

FERROELECTRIC CERAMICS

Di-electric Constant

O
4+
Ti

Ba2+

O2 - O

A Perovskite unit cell and the displacements in its ions on the application of
an electric field.

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O O

O O O O O O
O O O O
O O
O O
O O O O
O O O O O O

DIELECTRIC AND CURIE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT OF

FERROELECTRIC CERAMICS

INTRODUCTION:

Ferroelectric ceramics were born in the early 1940s with the discovery of the
phenomenon of ferroelectricity as the source of the unusually high dielectric constant in
ceramic barium titanate capacitors. Since that time, they have been the heart and soul of
several multibillion dollar industries, ranging from high-dielectric-constant capacitors to
later developments in piezoelectric transducers, positive temperature coefficient devices,
and electro optic light valves. Materials based on two compositional systems, barium
titanate and lead zirconate titanate, have dominated the field throughout their history. The
more recent developments in the field of ferroelectric ceramics, such as medical
ultrasonic composites, high-displacement piezoelectric actuators (Moonies,
RAINBOWS) , photostrictors, and thin and thick films for piezoelectric and integrated-
circuit applications have served to keep the industry young amidst its growing maturity.
Various ceramic formulations, their form (bulk, films), fabrication, function (properties),
and future are described in relation to their ferroelectric nature and specific areas of
application.

A huge leap in the research on ferroelectric materials came in 1950 leading to the
wide spread use of Barium titanate (BaTiO3) by the market potential of next generation
memories and transducers. Thin films of ferroelectrics and dielectrics are rapidly
emerging in the field of MEMS applications. Ultrasonic micro-motors utilizing PZT thin
films and pyroelectric sensors using micro-machined structures have been fabricated.

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MEMS are finding growing application in accelerometers for air bag deployment in cars,
micro-motors and pumps, micro heart valves, which have reached the commercial level
of exploitation in compact medical, automotive, and space applications. Extremely
sensitive sensors and actuators based on thin film and bulk will revolutionize every walk
of our life with Hi-Tech gadgets based on ferroelectrics. Wide spread use of such sensors
and actuators have made Hubble telescope a great success story. New bulk ferroelectric
and their composites are the key components for the defence of our air space, the long
coastline and deep oceans.

The quest of human beings for developing better and more efficient materials is
never ending. Material Science has played a vital role in the development of society.
Characterization is an important step in the development of different types of new
materials. This experiment is aimed to expose the young students of Dielectric and Curie
Temperature Measurement technique for Ferroelectric Ceramics.

Dielectric or electrical insulating material are understood as the material in which

electrostatic fields can persist for a long time. These materials offer a very high resistance
to the passage of electric current under the action of the applied direct-current voltage and
therefore sharply differ in their basic electrical properties from conductive materials.
Layers of such substances are commonly inserted into capacitors to improve their
performance, and the term dielectric refers specifically to this application.

-+ -+ -+
Charge -+ -+ -+
+Q -Q
-+ -+ -+

-+ -+ -+

-+ -+ -+

-+ -+ -+

-+ -+ -+
Electric
Field E -+ -+ -+

-+ -+ -+

Dielectric

Polarized molecules

Fig. 1

The use of a dielectric in a capacitor presents several advantages. The simplest of

these is that the conducting plates can be placed very close to one another without risk of
contact. Also, if subjected to a very high electric field, any substance will ionize and
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 Thermal Laboratory

become a conductor. Dielectrics are more resistant to ionization than air, so a capacitor
containing a dielectric can be subjected to a higher voltage. Also, dielectric increases the
capacitance of the capacitor. An electric field polarizes the molecules of the dielectric,
producing concentrations of charge on its surfaces that create an electric field opposed
(antiparallel) to that of the capacitor. Thus, a given amount of charge produces a weaker
field between the plates than it would without the dielectric, which reduces the electric
potential. Considered in reverse, this argument means that, with a dielectric, a given
electric potential causes the capacitor to accumulate a large charge.

The electrons in the molecules shift toward the positively charged left plate. The
molecules then create a leftward electric field that partially annuals the field created by
the plates. (the air gap is shown for clarity; in a real capacitor, the dielectric is in direct
contact with the plates.)

Perovskite Structure:

Perovskite is a family name of a group of materials and the mineral name of calcium titanate
(CaTiO3) having a structure of the type ABO3. Many piezoelectric (including ferroelectric)
ceramics such as Barium Titanate (BaTiO3), Lead Titanate (PbTiO3), Lead Zirconate Titanate
(PZT), Lead Lanthanum Zirconate Titanate (PLZT), Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN), Potassium
Niobate (KNbO3), Potassium Sodium Niobate (KxNa1-xNbO3), and Potassium Tantalate
Niobate (K(TaxNb1-x)O3) have a perovskite type structure (in the para-electric state) with
chemical formula ABO3 as shown in Fig 2 (a) and 2(b).

Fig 2(a) Perovskite B3 structure with the A and b cations on the corner and
body center positions,respectively.Three oxygen anions per unit cell
occupythe faces and form octahedral surrounding the B-site

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Fig. 2(b) Perovskite Structure (Ba: Grey; Ti; Black; O; White)

As conventionally drawn, A-site cations occupy the corners of a cube, while B-

site cations sit at the body center. Three oxygen atoms per unit cell rest on the faces. The
lattice constant of the se perovskite is always close to the 4 A due to rigidity of the
oxygen octahedral network and the well-defined of oxygen ionic radius of 1.35 A.

A practical advantage of the perovskite structure is that many different cations can
be substituted on both the A and B sites without drastivally changing the overall
structure. Complete solid solutions are easily formed between many cations, often across
the entire range of composition. Even though two cations are compatible in solution, their

behavior can e radically different when apart from each other. Thus, it is possible
to manipulate a material’s properties such as Curie Temperature or dielectric constant
with only a small substitution of a given cation.

All ferroelectric material have a transition temperature called the Curie point (T c).
AT a temperature T > Tc the crystal does not exhibit ferroelectricity, while for T < T c it is
ferroelectric. On decreasing the temperature through the Curie point, a ferroelectric
crystal undergoes a phase transition from a non-ferroelectric (paraelectric) phase to a
ferroelectric phase.

Barium Titanate (BaTiO3, BT)

Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) has a ferroelectric tetragonal phase below its curie
point of about 1300C and paraelectric cubic phase above Curie point. The temperature of

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the curie pint appreciably depends on the impurities present in the sample and the
synthesis processes.

In the paraelectic cubic phase the center of positive charges (Ba2+, Ti4+) coincide
with the center of negative charges (0-2ion) and on cooling below Tc, a tetragonal phase
develops where the center of Ba2+ and Ti4+ ions are displaced relative to the 02-ions,
leading to the formation of electric dipoles.

The dielectric properties of BaTiO3 are found to be dependent on the grain size .
Figure 7 shows the variation of dielectric constant with temperature for BaTiO3 ceramics
with a fine (~ 1 mm) and coarse (~ 50 mm) grain size. Large grained BaTiO3 (³ 1 m m)
shows an extremely high dielectric constant at the Curie point and for a BaTiO3 ceramic
with fine grains (~ 1 m m), leading to a low dielectric constant at the Curie point as
compared to coarse grained BaTiO3 The room temperature dielectric constant (er) of
coarse grained (³ 10 m m) BT ceramics is found to be in the range of 1500-2000. On the
other hand, fine grained ( ~1 m m) BT ceramics exhibit a room temperature dielectric
constant between 3500-6000.

Fig. 7 : The variation of the mr) with temperature for BaTiO3 ceramics with (a) 1 relative
permittivity ( m grain size. grain size and (b) 50

As the BT ceramics have a very large room temperature dielectric constant, they are mainly used
multilayer capacitor applications. The grain size control is very important for these applications.

Dielectric Constant
The dielectric constant of a dielectric material can be defined as the ratio of the
capacitance using that material as the dielectric in a capacitor to the capacitance using a
vacuum as the dielectric. Typical values of for dielectrics are:

MATERIAL DIELECTRIC CONSTANT  

Vacuum 1.000
Dry air 1.0059
Barium Titanate 100-1250
Glass 3.8-14.5
Quartz 5
Mica 4-9
Water distilled 34-78
Soil dry 2.4-2.9
Titanium dioxide 100

Dielectric Constant ε is given by

C
 ,
C0
Where
C = capacitance using the material as the dielectric in the capacitor
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 Thermal Laboratory

C0 = capacitance using vacuum as the dielectric

-12
0 = Permittivity of free space) 8.85 x 10 F/M)
A = Area of the plate/sample cross section area
t = Thickness of the sample.

Brief Description of the Apparatus

1. Probe Arrangement
It has two spring loaded probes. These probe move in pipes and are insulated by
Teflon bush, which ensure a good electrical insulation. The probe arrangement is
mounted in suitable stand, which also hold the sample plate and RTD sensor. The
RTD is mounted in he sample plates such that it is just below the sample,
separated by a very thin sheet of mica. This ensures the correct measurement of
sample temperature. This stand also serves as a lid of the over. The leads are
provided for the connection to RTD and capacitance meter.

2. Sample
Barium Titanate (Ba Ti O3) plate with top and bottom conducting surface.

3. Oven

This is a high quality temperature controlled oven. The oven has been designed
for fast heating and cooling rates, which enhance the effectiveness of the
controller.

4. Main Units
The Set-Up consists of two units housed in the same cabinet.

(i) Oven Controller

Platinum RTD (A class) has been used for sensing the temperature. A Wheatstone
bridge and an instrumentation amplifier are used for signal conditioning.
Feedback circuit ensures offset and linearity trimming and a fast accurate control
of the oven temperature.

Specification of the Oven

Temperature Range : Ambient to 2000C.
Resolution : 0.10C
Stability : + 1 0C
Measurement Accuracy : + 0.50C
Oven : Specially designed for Dielectric measurement
Sensor : RTD (A class)
Display : 3 ½ digit, 7 segment LED with auto polarity and decimal
idication
Power : 150W

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 Thermal Laboratory

(ii) Digital Capacitance Meter

This is a compact direct reading instrument for the measurement of capacitance of
the sample.

Specification of the Oven

Range : 50 to 6000 pf
Resolution : 1pf
Display : 3 ½ digit, 7 segment LED

Experimental Procedure
1. Put a small piece of aluminum foil on the vase plate. Pull the spring loaded probes
upward, insert the aluminum foil and let then rest on it. Put the sample (Ba Ti O 3)
on the foil. Again pull the top of one of the probe and insert the sample below it
and let it rest on it gently. Now one of the probes would be in contact with the
upper surface of the sample, while the other would be in contact with the lower
surface through aluminum foil.
2. Connect the probe leads to the capacitance meter.
3. Connect the oven to the main unit and put the oven in OFF position.
4. Switch on the main unit and note the value of capacitance. It should be a stable
reading and is obtained directly in pf.
5. (i) Switch ON the temperature Controller and approx adjust the set-temperature.
The green LED would light up indicating the oven is ON and temperature would
start rising. The temperature of the oven in 0C would be indicated by the DPM.

(ii) The controller of the oven would switch ON/OFF power corresponding to set-
temperature. In case it is less then the desired, the set-temperature may be
increased or vice versa.

(iii) Because of thermal inertia of oven, there would be some oven shoot and
under shoot before a steady set-temperature is attained and may take 10 minutes
for each reading.

(iv) To save time, it is recommended to under adjust the temperature. Example, it

is desired to set at 500C, adjust the temperature set knob so that LED is OFF at
450C. The temperature would continue to rise. When it reaches 50 0C adjust the
temperature set knob so that oven is just ON/OFF. It may go up 1 & 2 0C, but
would settle down to 500C. Since the change in temperature at this stage is very
slow and response of RTD and sample it fast, the reading can also be taken
corresponding to any temperature without waiting for a steady state.

Observations and Calculations

Sample : Bariun Titanate (BaTiO3)

Area (A) : 8 x 6 mm

Thickness (t) : 1.42 mm

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Permittivity of Space ( ) : 8.85 x 10-12F/m or 8.85 x 10-3 pf/mm

C  0 A 8.85  10 3  48
 ; where, C 0    29.9  10 3 pf
C0 t 1.42

S.No. Temperature (0C) Capacitance, C (pf) Dielectric Constant,  

1. 25 696 2328
2. 35 665 2224
3. 45 636 2127
4. 55 618 2067
5. 65 607 2030
6. 75 604 2020
7. 85 612 2047
8. 95 629 2104
9. 105 654 2187
10. 110 677 2264
11. 115 715 2391
12. 120 766 2555
13. 125 846 2829
14. 128 930 3110
15. 129 1020 3411
16. 130 1280 4281
17. 131 1836 6140
18. 132 1790 5987
19. 133 1722 5759
20. 135 1627 5441
21. 138 1470 4916
22. 140 1360 4548
23. 145 1190 3980
24. 150 1070 3579
25. 160 853 2853

Typical Results
From the grapy, Curie Temperature (Tc) – 1310C.

Precautions
(1). The spring loaded probe should be allowed to rest on the sample very gently,
other wise it may damage the conducting surface of the sample or even beak the
sample.
(2). The reading of capacitance meter should be taken when the oven is OFF. This
would be indicated by the green LED. In ON position there may be some pick
ups.
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 Thermal Laboratory

(3). The reading near the curie Temperature should be taken at close intervals, say
10C.

Reference
(1). Introduction to Solid State Physics- C.Kittel, Wiley Eastern Limited (5 th Edition).

Study of dielectric Constant and Curie Temperature of Ferroelectric Ceramics.

Dielectric or electrical insulating material are understood as the material in which
electrostic field can persist for long times. Layers of such substance are commonly
inserted into capacitors to improve their performance, and the term dielectric refers
specifically to this application.
An electric field polarizes the molecules of dielectric producing concentrations of
charge on its surface that create an electric field opposed (antiparallel) to that of
capacitor. This reduces the electric potential. Considered in reverse, this means that, with
a dielectric, a given electric potential causes the capacitor to accumulate a large charge.

APPLICATIONS:
Beside the common and well known application of capacitors in electrical and
electronic circuits, the capacitors with an exposed and porous dielectric can be used to
measure humidity in air. A huge leap in the research on dielectric (ferroelectric materials)
came in 1950’s leading to the wide spread use of Barium Titanate (BaTiO 3- Perovskite
Structure) bread ceramics in capacitor applications an piezoelectric transducer devices.
Since then, many other ferroelect5ic ceramics have been developed and utilized for
variety of applications: various type of capacitors, non volatile memories in computers,
etc.

PEROVSKITE STRUCTURE:
Perovskite is family name of group of materials and the mineral name of calcium
titanate (CaTiO3) having a structure of the type ABO3.
A practical advantage of perovskite structure is that many different cations can be
substituted on both A and B sites without changing the over all structure. Even though
two cations are compatible in solution, their behaviour can be radically different when
apart fro each other. Thus it is possible to manipulate material’s properties such as Curie
temperature or dielectric constant with only a small substitution of given cation.
All ferroelectric material have a transition called the Curie point (Tc). At T>Tc,
the crystal does not exhibit feroelect5icity, while for T<Tc it is ferroelectric. If there is
more than one ferroelectric phase, the temperature at which the crystal transforms one
phase to another is called transition temperature. Near the Curie temperature point or
transition temperatures, the thermodynamic properties including dielectric, elastic, optical
and thermal constants show an anomalous behavior. The variation of dielectric constant
(  ) with temperature for Lanthanum doped Lead Zirconate Titanate (PLZT) ceramic,
which is cooled from its paraelectric cubic phase to ferroelectric rhombohedral phase.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP:

1. Probes Arrangement:
It has too individually spring loaded probes. The probes arrangement is mounted
in a suitable stand, which also holds the sample plate. To ensure the correct
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 Thermal Laboratory

measurement of sample temperature, the RTD is embedded in the sample plate

just below the sample. This stand also serves as the lid of temperature controlled
oven. Proper leads are provided for connection to Capacitance Meter and
Temperature Controller.

2. Samples:
Barium Titanate (BaTiO3).

3. Oven:
This is a high quality temperature controlled oven. This oven has been designed
for fast heating and cooling rates, which enhances the effectiveness of the
controller.

4. Main Units:
The Set-up consists of two units housed in the same cabinet.
(i) Oven Controller:
Platinum RTD (A class) has been used for sensing the temperature. A Wheatstone
bridge and an instrumentation amplifier are used for signal conditioning.
Feedback circuit ensures offset and linearity trimming and a fast accurate control
of the oven temperature.

(ii) Digital Capacitance Meter:

This a compact direct reading Instrument for he measurement of capacitance of
the sample.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Range : 50-6000 pf.
Resolution : 1 pf.
Display : 3 ½ digit, 7 segment LED.

Department of Physics, IIT Roorkee 11