Influence of spinel ZnMn2O4 particles on the dielectric performance of PVDF-based composites

Spinel ZnMn2O4 are widely used in lithium batteries, sensors, and catalysis due to its electrical and magnetic properties. However, the influence of the resistive switching effect on the dielectric properties of the polymer matrix induced by ZnMn2O4 has not been investigated in depth. In this study, spinel ZnMn2O4 powders were synthesized via the hydrothermal method, and ZnMn2O4/PVDF composites were prepared for research the influence of ZnMn2O4 particles on dielectric performance of PVDF-based composites. The existence of ZnMn2O4 particles improves the dielectric constant slightly, while enhances the breakdown strength of composites significantly. The maximum value of breakdown strength achieved in composite with 10 wt% ZnMn2O4 is 108 kV/mm, which is five times larger than that of undoped PVDF. The enhanced dielectric properties are attributed to the quasi-Coulomb blockade effect induced by the resistive switching effect of ZnMn2O4 particles under applied electric field. The results presented in this work indicate the promising of ZnMn2O4 particles in dielectric and insulating composites.