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Ceramics

Techniques:  I-V, C-V, impedance, capacitance, permittivity, dielectric constant/loss, grain size, AC conductivity
Applications:    SOFC, batteries, sensors, oxygen sensors, solid electrolytes
Types: thin film, YSZ Yittria Stabilized Zirconia, beta-Alumina, Perovskite Ceramics

Ceramic materials are used in many applications where high temperature operation is required – aerospace (engine turbine blades, heat shields), SOFC fuel cell materials, engine nozzles, sensors, disk brakes, etc. These materials need to be characterized throughout their range of operating temperature. In addition, there are many applications in electronics (insulators and dielectrics), electrical power distribution, bio-implants etc.

Solartron Analytical’s range of materials test equipment is ideally suited for the characterization of high and low temperature ceramic and electro-ceramic materials. Key elements of testing are frequency range, range of electrical stimulus, range of impedance/permittivity/capacitance that can be measured, accuracy of measurements (especially at extreme impedance levels), control of applied temperature, and use of appropriate sample holders.

Solartron Analytical provides a wide range of electrical test systems for the characterization of ceramic and electro-ceramic materials:

  • The ModuLab XM MTS Test System provides complete time domain and AC device characterization using a wide range of “Plug and Play” options   
  • The Model 1260A Impedance Gain Phase Analyzer is widely referenced in publications and is able to test capacitance / C-V / impedance / Mott-Schottky from 10 µHz to 32 MHz (over 12 decades of frequency), enabling full characterization of dielectric materials.
  • The Model 1296A Dielectric Interface System extends the impedance range of the 1260A to over 100 TOhm for testing ceramic insulators and dielectrics in addition to providing greater magnitude and phase accuracy by use of sample/reference techniques, reducing errors due to cables.
  • Temperature control options including Cryostats and Furnaces are available with all of the above measurement systems that provide automatic PC control of the sample temperature and allow complete material characterization