Composite Dielectric Materials for Electrical Switching

摘要

Composites that consist of a dielectric host containing a particulate conductor as a second phase are of interest for electrical switching applications. Such composites are 'smart' materials that can function as either voltage or current limiters, and the difference in function depends largely upon whether the dielectric is filled to below or above the percolation threshold. It also is possible to combine current and voltage limiting in a single composite to make a 'super-smart' material.