We report here structural and IeV characteristics of ZnO varistor with Fe2O3 nanoparticles additions
(
200 nm). It was found that the addition of Fe does not influence the wurtzite structure of ZnO ceramics,
while the average grain size was affected. Interestingly, the nonlinear regionwas clearly observed
in the IeV characteristics of the samples with Fe ¼ 2.5%, 5% and 10%. Whereas, two nonlinear regions
were only observed with further increase of Fe addition above 10% (30% and 50%). Although the values of
non-linear coefficient are decreased by the additions of Fe, the breakdown field could be increased up to
7900 V/cm. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity was improved by increasing Fe up to 10%, followed
by a decrease with further increase of Fe up to 50%. These results were discussed in terms of Fe2O3
nanosize grains which were formed and localized at the grain boundaries of ZnO ceramics.