A comparison of the electrical and thermal behavior of ZrO/sub 2/-Ni interpenetrating phase composite produced by microwave and conventional sintering

The ceramic-metal composites that have all phases continuous throughout the structure are known as Interpenetrating Phase Composites (IPCs) and they have many applications in various fields. In this investigation ZrO/sub 2/-Ni IPCs of varied compositions were synthesized using tubular furnace and microwave furnace routs. Samples were Characterized using BET surface area, Pycnometer density, dilatometry and scanning electron microscopy. The Electrical parameters of the composites were measured using impedance spectrometer. Results indicate that threshold percolation reached at 40 volume percent of Ni in both cases. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in BET surface area and CTE of composites prepared by conventional and microwave sintering processes. (author)