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The microstructure of a ZnO varistor material

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Abstract

The microstructure of a ZnO varistor material has been investigated by a combination of X-ray diffractometry and analytical electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, STEM, EDX). The material was found to consist of: ZnO grains (doped with manganese, cobalt and nickel); smaller spinel grains which hinder the growth of ZnO grains during sintering; intergranular Bi-rich phases (namely α-Bi2O3, pyrochlore and an amorphous phase); and a small proportion of ZnO-ZnO interfaces which did not have any intergranular film but to which bismuth had segregated. The intergranular microstructure is largely a result of processes which occur during liquid phase sintering and subsequent cooling to room temperature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Göteborg, Sweden

    E. Olsson, L. K. L. Falk & G. L. Dunlop

  2. ASEA HV Apparatus, Box 701, S-77101, Ludvika, Sweden

    R. Österlund

Authors
  1. E. Olsson
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  2. L. K. L. Falk
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  3. G. L. Dunlop
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  4. R. Österlund
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Olsson, E., Falk, L.K.L., Dunlop, G.L. et al. The microstructure of a ZnO varistor material. J Mater Sci 20, 4091–4098 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00552403

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00552403

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