An Oxidizing or Reducing Atmosphere Can Change Dielectric Properties
The oxidation state of a material can influence the dielectric properties of a material dramatically, especially in the case where the electrical conductivity of a material is strongly dependent on the stoichiometry of the material or the oxygen potential of the surrounding atmosphere. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two examples of such materials.
The MPN measurement system uses a long high-purity amorphous silica tube as a sample holder, and thus is especially suited to maintain specific atmospheres around a sample – either as a gas flowing up past the sample ( flow rate controllers are use to maintain specific flows) or as “stagnant” gas, regulated at a specific pressure. The MPN sample holders have been used up to ~ 6 Atmospheres absolute.
At present the choice of cover gases is limited to:- Room Air
- UHP Argon
- UHP Nitrogen
- “Zero” Air ( artificial air )
- 4% Hydrogen in Argon
Other gases can readily be obtained for a customer. However, the system is not in a fume hood, so poisonous/toxic gases are not possible.
Please feel free to phone or e-mail and discuss possible measurements. We treat all communications as confidential unless advised otherwise.
