The thermistor powder system (Mn2.0 Co0.8 Ni0.2 O4), using oxides of Mn, Co and Ni was prepared by conventional ceramic
route at 1000 ◦C with a heating rate 10 ◦C/min for dwell time of 4 h and cooled naturally. The sintered mass was then crushed and pulverized to obtain the fine functional spinel powder. Thick film thermistor pastes were prepared by mixing the desired amount of the prepared spinel powder, RuO2, lead free glass (calcium–barium borosilicate glass) and an organic vehicle (mixture of ethyl cellulose