Percolation threshold and conductivity in metal-insulator composite mean-field theories

Abstract

Using a proper space average, the author has calculated systematically the DC conductivity and percolation threshold of cermet thin films and a granular composite in various mean-field theories. The results emphasise the decisive role of the composite microgeometry which has to be considered together with other effects neglected in effective medium theories. They should help in the interpretation of the growing number of experimental data on cermets, composite and porous materials.