Behavior of electrical conduction of spinel and other insulating oxides in moderate electric fields at high temperature

Journal Article · Mon Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.334276· OSTI ID:6255681

Sonder, E; Weeks, R A

It is known that MgO subjected to moderate electric fields at high temperature becomes progressively more conducting till it breaks down. We report a similar phenomenon in spinel. The insulating properties of stoichiometric spinel degrade even more rapidly than those of MgO; commercial spinel, which contains excess aluminum as well as hydrogen, exhibits erratic variations in conductance and general electrical instability, but does not always degrade to breakdown. Other insulating oxides (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, forsterite, quartz, and Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/) maintain their insulating properties when moderate dc electric fields (approx. 1000 V/cm) are applied at temperatures near 1200/sup 0/C.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6255681
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 56:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
QUARTZ
SPINELS
BREAKDOWN
ELECTRIC FIELDS
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MINERALS
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
360204* - Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories- Physical Properties