Enhanced dielectric properties of low density polyethylene with bismuth sulfide used as inorganic filler

A series of Bi2S3/LDPE composites, with low density polyethylene (LDPE) as matrix and bismuth sulfide as filler, are fabricated by a simple process. The microstructure, dielectric properties and tensile strength of the composites have been studied. The variation of dielectric properties of the Bi2S3/LDPE composites with the volume fraction of Bi2S3, frequency and temperature is discussed. The composites have significantly high dielectric constants and good thermal stability, with a quite low percolation threshold. The addition of low content of Bi2S3 significantly improves the dielectric constant of polymer matrix from 3 to above 60 at 100 Hz. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.