Conductivity and dielectric properties of iron-containing nanocomposites

We have studied the electric conductivity and dielectric properties of composites comprising iron nanoparticles dispersed in a low-density polyethylene matrix. The specific conductivity and dielectric constant as functions of the differential mass fraction of iron nanoparticles in such composites occurring in the semiconductor state are described by power relations with the average exponents (critical indices) t = s = 1.5 +/- 0.3. The regions of applicability, in which the percolation model provides adequate description of the electric conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites, are determined. (C) 2003 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".