Broadband dielectric properties of Fe2O3·H2O nanorods/epoxy resin composites

Abstract

A series of polymer composites based on epoxy resin with a 5-40 vol.% concentration of goethite (Fe2O3·H2O) nanorods was produced. The electrical percolation threshold in these composites was determined as 30 vol.% of nanorods. The dielectric properties of the composites both below and above the percolation threshold were studied in a wide temperature (200 K-450 K) and frequency (from Hz to THz) ranges. The dielectric properties of composites below the percolation threshold are mainly determined by the relaxation in a pure polymer matrix. The electrical properties of composites above the percolation threshold are determined by the percolation network, which is formed by the goethite nanorods inside the polymer matrix. Due to the finite conductivity of the epoxy resin, the electrical conductivity at high temperatures occurs in the composites both above and below the percolation threshold.