Origin(s) of the apparent high permittivity in CaCu[sub 3]Ti[sub 4]O[sub 12] ceramics: clarification on the contributions from internal barrier layer capacitor and sample-electrode contact effects

CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics with a range of resistivities have been prepared using both conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering. For all cases, the high effective permittivity is associated primarily with an internal barrier layer capacitor mechanism. Additional polarization associated with the electrode-sample interface may appear but its visibility depends on the grain boundary resistivity (Rgb) of the ceramic. If the Rgb is large, the electrode polarization is obscured by sample-related effects; if the Rgb is small, a separate impedance associated with the electrode polarization may be seen. Discrepancies in the literature regarding the magnitude and origin of the high effective permittivity are attributed to a combination of differences in processing conditions, electrode contact material and measuring frequency range.