Investigation of the Effect of Processing and Sintering Parameters on Voltage-Dependent Variable Resistors for Controlling Voltage and Leakage Current in ZnO-Based Compositions

Subject Areas : journal of New Materials

Mohammad Jazirehpour ¹ , Miad Maleki ²

1 - College of Electroceramics and Electrical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology ,Iran
2 - College of Electroceramics and Electrical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology ,Iran

Received: 2024-12-09 Accepted : 2025-01-18 Published : 2024-05-04

Keywords: Voltage-Dependent Resistor, Zinc Oxide, Processing, Breakdown Voltage, Leakage Current,

Abstract :

Introduction: Voltage-dependent resistors, known as varistors, have wide applications in the electrical and electronic industries due to their protective role against the destructive effects of sudden voltage spikes. This research investigates the impact of processing conditions and chemical composition on the electrical properties of zinc oxide varistors.

Methods: Varistor samples were prepared using zinc oxide as the main base material, along with a set of additive compounds including chromium oxide, manganese oxide, yttrium oxide, antimony, bismuth, and cobalt. The effects of milling conditions (type of mill and milling time), the variation in the amount of some additive compounds, and their influence on the microstructure and electrical properties of the samples were studied. Additionally, the impact of different processing parameters such as milling and sintering programs was examined. The phase structure and microstructure of the samples were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrical properties, including operating voltage and leakage current, were measured with a special setup for this purpose.

Findings: The results showed that using a planetary mill for a shorter time (around twenty minutes) significantly reduced contamination from wear and improved the leakage current. Removing yttrium oxide from the initial composition led to a decrease in the operating voltage and leakage current. Increasing the amount of manganese oxide up to twice its initial amount also resulted in a reduction of the operating voltage. Higher sintering temperature and time created a downward trend in operating voltage and an upward trend in leakage current.

Conclusion: The optimal processing conditions include short-term milling with a planetary mill, removal of yttrium oxide, an increase in the amount of manganese oxide in the initial composition, and sintering at 1210°C for 2 hours. These conditions resulted in varistors with desirable operating voltage (less than 500 V/mm) and low leakage current (less than 15 µA). These findings suggest that precise control of process parameters and chemical composition can significantly enhance the electrical properties of zinc oxide varistors. This research can aid in the design and manufacture of zinc oxide varistors with optimal performance.

References:

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