Degradation Mechanism in PTC Barium Titanate Ceramics under Reduced Atmosphere

Abstract

The degradation mechanism in PTC barium titanate ceramics under reduced atmospheres was investigated by the new method developed by authors. It was found that the potential barrier height in the lower temperature region (120°-180°C) was not affected by the degradation treatment, and that the height in the higher temperature region was reduced with the degradation time. It was suggested that the dominant factor in the degradation mechanism was the broadening of the distribution of interface states.