Methods of forming dispersible
dielectric particles, as well as articles and compositions that include the dispersible
dielectric particles, are provided. The methods involve forming an aqueous mixture of
dielectric (e.g.,
barium titanate-based) particles and replacing at least a portion of water in the mixture with a non-aqueous
solvent (e.g.,
ethanol). According to one set of methods, the particles are then dried. The limited, or lack, of water present in the mixture during
drying reduces capillary forces that otherwise may draw the particles together to cause formation of strong agglomerates. Thus, particle agglomeration during
drying may be reduced which increases particle dispersibility. According to another set of methods of the invention, the particles are not dried after non-aqueous
solvent replacement, thus, avoiding formation of agglomerates during
drying and increasing dispersibility. In both sets of methods, particles (or mixtures thereof) may be further processed, for example, to form composite
layers. As a result of the increased particle dispersibility, the particles are relatively uniformly distributed throughout the polymeric material. This uniform distribution improves properties of the composite
layers which may be used as an embedded
capacitor in electronic applications including printed circuit boards.