The effect of additions up to 9.6%wt BaTiO ₃ on grain growth and microstructure in ZnO samples sintered at 1300°C has been studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction and impedance analyser as techniques. The sample doped with 1.6%wt BaTiO ₃ , leads to grain size increasing and forms (BaO _10.89 Ti _3.93 Zn _2.03 and Ba ₄ O ₂₇ Ti ₁₁ Zn) solid solutions with ZnO. A homogeneous structure was obtained whereas with further additions 3%wt the structure was inhomogeneous and the solid solutions formed in the first segregate to grain boundaries. Afterwards, an excess of 9.6%wt BaTiO ₃ leads to BaTiO ₃ phase segregation locating on the surface of the sample and in the grain boundaries near the junctions between matrix grains. Experimental I–V current‐voltage characteristics show that BaTiO ₃ as additive in ZnO varistors, increases the non‐linear coefficient (α) and the breakdown voltage. The highest non‐linearity was obtained for 9.6%wt BaTiO ₃ content with α = 121.03 and 1.79 µA in leakage current. The average breakdown voltage per grain boundary (Vgb) was evaluated in the ranges 1.7–3.46 V/gb and 1.34–2.54 V/gb in agreement with the literature.

Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is a commonly used material used in cable insulation sheaths, but its dielectric properties can be negatively impacted by electric aging. This study investigates the use of nano-fillers, specifically alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and barium titanate (BaTiO), in order to improve the dielectric properties of PVC. Films of PVC were doped with nano-fillers and were then exposed to an alternating voltage of 15kV for various time periods (1, 2, and 3 hours). The dielectric properties of PVC were measured using an impedance analyzer, and the results indicated that the use of these nano-fillers had a positive effect on the dielectric characteristics of PVC.