Pair-cluster theory for the dielectric constant of composite media

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Phys. Rev., B: Condens. Matter; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.22.6364· OSTI ID:7039035

Sheng, P

By considering the embedding of nearest-neighbor grains of a random composite in an ''effective medium,'' a pair-cluster theory for the dielectric constant of composites is formulated in which the interactions between pairs of nearest-neighbor grains are explicitly taken into account. Compared to the well-known effective-medium theory, the new theory displays similar dc behavior but predicts different optical dielectric constants. A comparison of the two theories shows in particular that the absence of optical dielectric anomaly in the effective-medium theory is attributable to the neglect of nearest-neighbor interactions. Differences between the optical characteristics of the Maxwell-Garnett theory and the pair-cluster theory are also pointed out and discussed in relation to the underlying microstructures.

• Research Organization: Theoretical Sciences Group, Corporate Research Science Laboratories, Exxon Research and Engineering Company,P. O. Box 45, Linden, New Jersey 07036
• OSTI ID: 7039035
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., B: Condens. Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., B: Condens. Matter; (United States) Vol. 22:12; ISSN PRBMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360304* -- Composite Materials-- Physical Properties-- (-1987)
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
MATERIALS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES