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This paper aims to describe the technology and applications of nanocomposite materials.

This paper discusses products, applications and technological developments in polymer, ceramic and metal nanocomposites. It concludes with a brief consideration of electronic component applications.

It is shown that polymer nanocomposites and the materials used in their production are commercially available and finding applications in several industries, including automotive, military, food, electronics and leisure, due to their enhanced mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Ceramic and metallic nanocomposites are at an earlier stage of development and a critical issue to resolve is optimising the dispersion of nanomaterials in the matrices. Passive electronic components based on nanocomposite materials are under development.

The paper provides a review of the rapidly developing field of nanocomposite technology.

The present communication aims to investigate the influence of cobalt substitution on the structural, mechanical and elastic properties of nickel–zinc ferrite thick films. The changes observed in the crystallite size (D), lattice constant (a), texture coefficient [TC(hkl)] and mechanical and elastic properties of the thick films due to cobalt substitution have been reported systematically.

Ni–Zn ferrites with the stoichiometric formula Ni_0.7−xCo_xZn_0.3Fe₂O₄ (where, x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.20) were synthesized via solution combustion technique using sucrose as the fuel and poly-vinyl-alcohol as the matrix material. The thick films of the ferrites were fabricated on alumina substrates by the screen printing method. The thickness of the films was 25 μm, as measured by the gravimetric method. The thick films were subjected to X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

The detailed study of variation of lattice parameter (a), sintering density, micro-strain and elastic properties with cobalt (Co+2) substituted was carried out. The remarkable increase in lattice parameter (from 8.369 A^° to 8.3825 A^°), bulk density and average grain size (69-119 nm) with the cobalt content was due to larger ionic radius of Co²⁺ compared to Ni²⁺. Texture analysis [TC(hkl)] reveals all thick films have adequate grain growth in the (311) plane direction. The main absorption bands of spinel ferrite have appeared through infrared absorption spectra recorded in the range of 300-700 cm⁻¹.

The variation in stiffness constants (for isotropic material, C11 = C12), longitudinal elastic wave (Vl), transverse elastic wave (Vt), mean elastic velocity (VMean), rigidity modulus (G), Poisson’s ratio(s) and Young’s modulus (E) with cobalt (Co+2) composition has been interpreted in terms of binding forces found.

The aim of this paper is to investigate permittivity of nano structured Ni_0.7‐xCo_xZn_0.3Fe₂O₄ thick films at microwave frequencies.

Nanosized Ni_0.7‐xCo_xZn_0.3Fe₂O₄ ferrites with x=0, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12 were prepared by sucrose precursor technique using the constituent metal nitrates. Thick films of the ferrites were fabricated on alumina substrates by screen‐printing technique. Microwave dielectric constant (ε′) and the loss factor (ε″) for the thick films were measured by VSWR slotted section method in the 8‐18 GHz range of frequencies. Microwave attenuation properties were studied using a waveguide reflectometer set up.

Both the ε′ and ε″ were found to vary with frequency and composition x. It is observed that, value of ε′ increases with increase in x, due to the increase in bulk density and reduction in porosity of the material, that resulted due to the substitution of cobalt in Ni‐Zn ferrite. The microwave transmission loss offered by the thick films was found to increase with the increase in cobalt concentration x. Within the band width of 4 GHz (from 12‐16 GHz), all the films except that with x=0.04 offered the reflection loss of less than 3 dB.

The dielectric constant of Ni_0.7‐xCo_xZn_0.3Fe₂O₄ thick films have been reported for the first time. These thick films provide scope for cost effective planar ferrite devices.

Significant achievements in ferrite material processing enable developments of many ferrite devices with a wide range of power levels and working frequencies, which make demands for new characterization and modelling methods for ferrite materials and components. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a modelling and measurement procedure, which can be used for the characterization of two‐port ferrite components in high frequency range.

This paper presents a commercially available ferrite component (transformer) modelling and determination of its electrical parameters using in‐house developed software. The components are measured and characterized using a vector network analyzer E5071B and adaptation test fixture on PCB board. The parameters of electrical equivalent circuit of the ferrite transformer parameters are compared with values extracted out of measured scattering parameters.

A good agreement between modelled and extracted electrical parameters of the ferrite transformer is found. The modelled inductance curves have the same dependence versus frequency as extracted ones. That confirms the model validity in the wide frequency range.

In‐house developed software based on proposed model provides inclusion of the ferrite material dispersive characteristics, which dominantly determines high‐frequency behaviour of two‐port ferrite components. Developed software enables fast and accurate calculation of the ferrite transformer electrical parameters and its redesign in order to achieve the best performance for required application.

To study nonreciprocal effects in microstrip components due to ferrite thin film overlay.

The possibility of obtaining non reciprocal characteristics in the X band microwave region in the absence of external magnetic field by a simple process of using Mg, Co, Zn ferrite thin films as in‐touch overlay over λ/2 microstrip rejection filter was investigated. Microstrip rejection filter is basically a reciprocal component. The ferrite thin films were deposited by electroless plating.

It was found that frequency, pH and ferrite overlay material dependent changes occurred and differences in forward and reverse loss also observed, in some cases greater than 30 dB. Owing to the overlay the rejection properties of the filter is lost and there is an increase in insertion loss. The best non reciprocal effects are seen at higher frequencies. The presence of permeability related effects like magnetostatic modes interfering with the normal propagation of the microstrip circuits might be causing the changes in the circuits.

There is scope for true planarisation of ferrite‐based components by using the ferrite in thin film form as in‐touch overlay.

The purpose of this paper is to report the electrochemical verification of anticorrosive properties of NiZn ferrites as pigments in protective coatings and evaluation of their microwave absorbing properties.

Ferrites, represented by formula Ni_xZn_(1−x)Fe₂O₄, where x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, were synthesized using a ceramic method. The samples of ferrites were examined by X‐ray diffraction and SEM. Immersion tests in ferrite extracts, combined with electrochemical tests using techniques such as polarization curves, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were involved to determine the protective action provided by the ferrites. Epoxy coatings containing 10 vol.% of the ferrite were investigated using EIS. Experimental verification is provided of the microwave attenuation capability of coatings containing the investigated ferrites. Reflection loss, measured in the frequency range of 6.5‐15 GHz, exhibited maximum attenuation at a level of 8‐16 dB.

The results obtained suggest that NiZn ferrites possess active anticorrosive properties and support inhibition of the cathodic reaction by scale deposition at the metal substrate in an alkaline environment created by the pigments and the cathodic reaction. Additionally, they can serve as a microwave suppressor.

NiZn pigments can be used in coatings to serve simultaneously as an active anticorrosion, non‐toxic pigment and a material protecting against electromagnetic interference problems.

The paper provides information regarding the anticorrosive properties of NiZn ferrites as pigments for protective coatings and also microwave absorbing materials. An attempt was made to elucidate the potential mechanism of anticorrosive action of these pigments.

Ceramic materials and glasses have become important in modern industry as well as in the consumer environment. Heat resistant ceramics are used in the metal forming processes or as welding and brazing fixtures, etc. Ceramic materials are frequently used in industries where a wear and chemical resistance are required criteria (seals, liners, grinding wheels, machining tools, etc.). Electrical, magnetic and optical properties of ceramic materials are important in electrical and electronic industries where these materials are used as sensors and actuators, integrated circuits, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic devices, microwave devices, magnetic tapes, and in other applications. A significant amount of literature is available on the finite element modelling (FEM) of ceramics and glass. This paper gives a listing of these published papers and is a continuation of the author's bibliography entitled “Finite element modelling of ceramics and glass” and published in Engineering Computations, Vol. 16, 1999, pp. 510‐71 for the period 1977‐1998.

The form of the paper is a bibliography. Listed references have been retrieved from the author's database, MAKEBASE. Also Compendex has been checked. The period is 1998‐2004.

Provides a listing of 1,432 references. The following topics are included: ceramics – material and mechanical properties in general, ceramic coatings and joining problems, ceramic composites, piezoceramics, ceramic tools and machining, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, applications of ceramic/composites in engineering; glass – material and mechanical properties in general, glass fiber composites, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, and applications of glasses in engineering.

This paper makes it easy for professionals working with the numerical methods with applications to ceramics and glasses to be up‐to‐date in an effective way.

This paper aims to describe a new concept of transformer based on the displacement current. The paper shows how this idea can be translated into reality and presents an example of a working design.

The authors replace the primary winding of the transformer with a capacitor. The displacement current between the capacitor plates induces a magnetic flux in the core. This flux in turn induces electromotive force in the classical secondary winding.

The basic mathematical aspects illustrated by results obtained from a simulation developed using a commercial software ANSYS-HFSS are given. The saturation of the magnetic core due to the applied high-frequency range is investigated and simulated using a finite difference time domain code implemented in MATLAB. A prototype transformer was built and tested; the obtained results confirm the previous ones from simulations.

A new concept of the single winding transformer was used as a pulse forming circuit.

This paper aims to study the structural, electrical and microwave properties of (Sr_0.6Ca_0.4) (Co_yMn_1−y) O₃ (0.2 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) thick-film ceramics.

The thick films of (Sr_0.6Ca_0.4) (Co_yMn_1−y) O₃ (0.2 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) on the alumina substrate have been delineated using screen printing technique. The structural analysis was carried out using an X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscopy. The direct current (DC) electrical resistivity is measured using a two-probe method. Microwave absorption was studied in the 8-18 GHz frequency range by using the Waveguide Reflectometer Method. The permittivity and permeability in the 8-18 GHz frequency range were measured by using Voltage Standing Wave Ratio slotted section method.

The thick films have orthorhombic perovskite structure with dominant (020) plane. By using first-principle calculation method, theoretical and experimental lattice parameter and cell volume of (Sr_0.6Ca_0.4) (Co_yMn_1−y) O₃ are matched with each other. The cobalt content changes the morphology from plates to needles. The DC electrical resistivity increases with increase in Co content and decreases with increase in temperature. (Sr_0.6Ca_0.4) (Co_yMn_1−y) O₃ thick film shows 75 per cent microwave absorption both in the X band and Ku band. The microwave permittivity and permeability decreases with increase in frequency and Co content.

Structural, electrical and microwave properties of (Sr_0.6Ca_0.4) (Co_yMn_1−y) O₃ (0.2 ≤ y ≤ 1.0). Thick film ceramics on alumina substrate is reported for the first time.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the role of mineralisers on the formation of perovskite structure, optimise the amounts of chromium content, soaking time and finally the ratio of fuel (citric acid) to oxidiser (metal nitrate) and investigation of the physical properties of resulted pigments.

A red pigment based on perovskite structure (YAl_1-yCr_yO₃, y = (0.01-0.1) was synthesised by solution combustion method with various mineralisers, like NaF, MgF₂ and Li₂CO₃. Thermal decomposition of the resulting nitrate-citrate gels and the phase evolution of calcined powders were investigated and the microstructure and colorimetry of the emerging products were characterised.

The most effective mineraliser system for the formation of YAlO₃ perovskite was NaF:MgF₂:Li₂CO₃ (3:2:1 by weight). Furthermore, desirable pigments were obtained by firing the samples at 1,400°C for 4 hours. The highest redness parameter (a*) and reflectance value were obtained when y was 0.03 and 0.01, respectively. Increasing the fuel: oxidiser ratio led to an increase in the a* parameter. Use of the optimum prepared red pigment in the low and high firing temperature glazes gave a high chemical and thermal stability.

Only citric acid was used as fuel. Other fuels and different ratios of fuel to oxidiser could also be studied.

The method developed provided a new approach for preparation to nontoxic, high-temperature, ceramic red pigment compared to the solid-state method.

The methods for synthesis of pigment based on perovskite structure with different chromium contents and for evaluation of thermal stability of pigment in glaze were novel.