Ceramic composition, thermistor element, and process for producing a ceramic body.

摘要

Described is a ceramic composition of the formula (M<1>1-x. N<1>x)(P<2>1-y-z. N<2>y. Alz)O3 where M<1> is one or more selected from the group 3A elements of the Periodic Table excluding La, N<1> is one or more selected from the group 2A elements of the Periodic Table, P<2> is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 of the Periodic Table whose oxides exhibit p-type characteristics, and N<2> is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 whose oxides exhibit n-type characteristics, wherein x, y and z are larger than 0 and smaller than 1 and 0.001 </= x/(1-y-z)< 0.20, 0.05 </= y/(1-y-z) </= 0.80 and 0 < z / (1-y-z) </= 0.90. Thermistor elements (1) made from the above ceramic composition are usable within a broad temperature range of 300-1100 DEG C have a stable resistance in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, can prevent deterioration of lead wires, and have superior stability at high temperatures. <IMAGE>