Resumo

AGUIAR, R. et al. Development of a SnO₂ -Sb₂O₃ conductor pigment and its applications in semiconductor glazes. Cerâmica [online]. 2004, vol.50, n.314, pp. 134-137. ISSN 0366-6913.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0366-69132004000200010.

Semiconductor glazes are employed on electrical insulators to avoid surface discharge under conditions of intense electric fields, providing better performance in polluted environments. Semiconductor enamels are of great interest for electrical insulator coatings to avoid surface discharges, related to large potential differences. This enhances the performance of the insulator under polluted environments. Glazes used in ceramic industries are not conductive. The addition of conductive oxides to the glaze composition results in a semiconductor enamel. Sb₂O₃-doped SnO₂ was mixed with the enamel in different concentrations. The resulting enamel was applied over green porcelain and fired at 1250 ºC. Scanning electron microscopy characterization was performed and it was verified that the pigment concentration on the surface is low and does not affect the electrical conductivity. The pigment concentration on the fracture surface is approximately 35%. The insulator surface presents a high quality visual aspect and low surface roughness. The electrical resistivity is approximately 10⁴ Ohm.m and occurs through the bulk of the glaze.

Palavras-chave : pigment; tin oxide; glaze; semiconductor; insulators.