Polymer-ceramic composite filler selection using mixing rules

In this work, classical Bruggeman symmetric and Looyenga mixing rules were used together with a general mixing model to estimate the permittivities and loss tangents of polymer composites in order to make rational filler selections. Eight different fillers were used and compared with theoretical polymer composites. Permittivity levels of the composites were between 2.1 and 70 in the frequency range of 2.5-8 GHz. Results showed that rational selections of fillers also provided better properties of composites when using low permittivity instead of high permittivity filler. However, in certain permittivity targets, better properties were achieved with high permittivity filler. The selections were based on the required volume ratios of fillers and total loss tangents of the composites. Theoretical results correlated well with previously reported values. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.