Thick film NTC thermistor for wide range of temperature sensing

Purpose Aims to focus on temperature sensors. Design/methodology/approach Negative temperature co‐efficient thermistor powders of ternary Mn, Co, Ni oxide along with RuO 2 synthesized at relatively moderates temperature (1,000°C). Thick film thermistor paste compositions were formulated by mixing the semiconducting oxide powder, glass frit and organic vehicle. The physico‐chemical analysis, viz. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry and IR spectroscopy were carried out for the synthesized powder and the resultant thick films. The X‐ray analysis of the powders showed the cubic spinel structure. The electrical properties like thermistor constant, sensitivity index and activation energy of the thick film NTC thermistor were determined. Findings The room temperature resistance is observed to range from 490 KΩ to 4.13 MΩ with thermistor constant ranging from 3,275 to 3,980 K, in the temperature range of 25‐300°C. Originality/value Describes research work on temperature sensors that are used for monitoring and control in many fields such as in home appliances, manufacturing industries, biomedical and automobile industries.