Influence of spinel ZnMn₂O₄ particles on the dielectric performance of PVDF‐based composites

Abstract Spinel ZnMn₂O₄ are widely used in lithium batteries, sensors, and catalysis due to its electrical and magnetic properties. However, the influence of the resistive switching effect on the dielectric properties of the polymer matrix induced by ZnMn₂O₄ has not been investigated in depth. In this study, spinel ZnMn₂O₄ powders were synthesized via the hydrothermal method, and ZnMn₂O₄/PVDF composites were prepared for research the influence of ZnMn₂O₄ particles on dielectric performance of PVDF‐based composites. The existence of ZnMn₂O₄ particles improves the dielectric constant slightly, while enhances the breakdown strength of composites significantly. The maximum value of breakdown strength achieved in composite with 10 wt% ZnMn₂O₄ is 108 kV/mm, which is five times larger than that of undoped PVDF. The enhanced dielectric properties are attributed to the quasi‐Coulomb blockade effect induced by the resistive switching effect of ZnMn₂O₄ particles under applied electric field. The results presented in this work indicate the promising of ZnMn₂O₄ particles in dielectric and insulating composites.