| abstract |
Methods of forming dispersible dielectric particles, as well as articles and compositions that include the dispersible dielectric particles, are provided. The methods involve forming an aqueous mixture of dielectric (e.g., barium titanate-based) particles and replacing at least a portion of water in the mixture with a non-aqueous solvent (e.g., ethanol). According to one set of methods, the particles are then dried. The limited, or lack, of water present in the mixture during drying reduces capillary forces that otherwise may draw the particles together to cause formation of strong agglomerates. Thus, particle agglomeration during drying may be reduced which increases particle dispersibility. According to another set of methods of the invention, the particles are not dried after non-aqueous solvent replacement, thus, avoiding formation of agglomerates during drying and increasing dispersibility. In both sets of methods, particles (or mixtures thereof) may be further processed, for example, to form composite layers. As a result of the increased particle dispersibility, the particles are relatively uniformly distributed throughout the polymeric material. This uniform distribution improves properties of the composite layers which may be used as an embedded capacitor in electronic applications including printed circuit boards. |