Uses of Barium Titanate

Barium titanate, BaTiO3, or is composed of one part of barium, a titanium frame and three parts oxygen. The combination of the two metals with oxygen produces a compound with certain qualities. These qualities, which include a positive temperature coefficient and high dielectric properties, barium titanate make useful products in the electronics industry.

Positive temperature coefficient
Compounds with positive temperature coefficients, such as barium titanate have the opportunity to increase their electrical resistance with increasing temperature. This capability, known as positive temperature coefficient of resistivity or PSTN, resulting in a rapid increase in electrical resistance with increasing temperature. The temperature that triggers the increase is known as the switch or Curie temperature. This ability is barium titanate compound valuable to use as a thermostat or an electric heating system checked. RPTC allows the heater to reach a preset temperature without the need for a thermostat.

PTC thermistors
Barium titanate, with PTCR, is good for PTC thermistors. They are used in heating elements, applications against excess current, devices and telecommunications. In most temperatures, the thermistor to maintain a slightly negative temperature coefficient. When the heat reaches the switching temperature, the electrical resistance of barium titanate increases very rapidly until it becomes slightly negative at very high temperatures.

High dielectric property
Dielectric is the ability to isolate or not to conduct electricity. Barium titanate exhibits high dielectric qualities making it a good insulator for industrial purposes, such as in the cells of memory on computer chips. The nanoparticles, or very small particles of the compound, provide the material for these uses. Silicon dioxide is the common material, but according to researchers at IBM, he has nearly reached its storage limit and a new material is needed, one with a high dielectric property.

Capacitors
Capacitors store and release energy quickly and in electronic devices like cell phones. Barium titanate nanoparticles have the potential to double the energy storage due to their high dielectric properties. Other uses include defense applications or any use where storage capacity is important.

Composites
Experiments using barium titanate with tin to form a compound extremely stiff were reported in the September 2007 "Engineer of Wisconsin." These efforts were to develop a new material that has the rigidity of diamonds, but can be used in the manufacture and construction. Part of the research involves broadening the temperature range where the composite is stiff, it would be of value in commercial applications. Potential commercial applications include use as material for bridges, buildings and airplanes. The compound also has a high density of data that would make a good material for computer hard drives.