  Present paper reports the effect of ZnO additives on humidity and temperature
sensing properties of cuprous oxide. The cuprous oxide powder was mixed with
10% and 25% ZnO by weight and these samples were pelletized by using hydraulic
pressing machine. The sensing materials were also investigated by Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). SEM images show
morphology and porosity of material. The average particles size of cuprous
oxide was found to be 1.2 micron. The sheet like structures of ZnO is evident
in micrographs. From XRD all peaks are well identified and crystallite size for
defferent peaks has also been calculated. The pellets of sensing materials were
subjected to annealing at temperatures 200, 400 and 600 degrees C respectively
and were exposed to humidity and temperature variations. Electrical resistances
of pellets were found to vary with humidity and temperature and were recorded.
The sensitivity of sensors at various temperature and humidity levels was
calculated.
