Nano-composite dielectrics: The dielectric nature of the nano-particle environment

Abstract

The evident influence of the reduction in particle size to nanometric dimensions on many properties of polymeric dielectric composites emphasises the role of the filler particle-matrix interface. The interfacial environment itself, which is also of nanometric dimensions, can be dominant in determining the properties of the composite. Employing a cubic close-packed array of particles with appropriate interfaces to the polymer as a simple representation of a composite many of the features can be effectively demonstrated and used to model dielectric permittivity, electrical conduction and breakdown in polymeric composites.