Stable suspensions of ferroelectric nm-LiNbO₃ — and nm-PbTiO₃ — particles in hydrocarbon carrier liquids

Abstract

Stable suspensions of nm-size LiNbO₃ – and PbTiO₃ -particles in hydrocarbon carrier liquids were produced by long milling processes. The suspensions show a big field-induced birefringence comparable to that of nm-BaTiO₃ -suspensions. The Kerr-effect data together with the in situ particle size determination using dynamic light scattering indicate that the particles are ferroelectric and single domain or superparaelectric. Ferroelectric particles with an average radius of about 10 to 15 nm would carry a mean permanent dipole moment of about 2000 Debye.