Ferroelectric and Electrical Properties of Potassium Nitrate Thin Composite Layers

Abstract

The ferroelectric and electrical properties of potassium nitrate (KNO3): polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite layers prepared by melt press method have been studied. The stability of ferroelectric phase (phase –III) of potassium nitrate (KNO3) in the composite layers at room temperature have been analyzed. The temperature dependence of ferroelectric hysteresis loop (P-E) characteristics have been investigated in the composite layers. The electrical conductivity (σ) and dielectric behaviour of composite layers have been characterized. The conductivity and dielectric variation with temperature during heating and cooling modes has been found to provide the knowledge of phase transition in the composite. The capacitance –-voltage (C-V) and conductance - voltage (G-V) characteristics clearly show the ferroelectric butterfly loop, which is attributed to the features of ferroelectricity in the composite layers at room temperature. The coexistence of ferroelectric phase (phase III) with paraelectric phase (phase II) has also been observed at room temperature in the composite layers during dielectric and conductivity measurements.