Effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and humidity sensing properties of ZrO2-TiO2 for humidity sensor / Quratula'in Syahiirah Shamsul

Humidity sensors are widely used in domestic and industrial environments.
0.5Zr02-0.5Ti02 ceramic sintered at 900°C to 1200 °C, have been
investigate for its structural and sensitivity properties at room temperature.
The samples were prepared by the conventional ceramic method. Field
emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and impedance
spectroscopy method were used for characterization of the microstructure
and sensitivity properties of samples. The microstructures of the particles
are in irregular shape with various particle size. The average grain size were
calculated between 0.23 ~m and 0.32 ~m. There is no significant changes
towards the size of microstructure of ceramics as sintering temperature
increases. The sensitivity of materials towards humidity were investigated
using impedance spectroscopy technique. The electrical impedance of
samples were depended on humidity. The magnitude of impedance reflects
the conductance of sensing material. 1100 °C is the optimum sintering
temperature that produce highest impedance ratio than the other samples in
two different relative humidity which is 25% and 61 %.