Abstract
The electrical properties of polymers filled with different types of conducting particles are reviewed. Following a theoretical description of a general effective media (GEM) equation, the experimental conductivity-volume fraction data for thermoplastic filled with vanadium oxide particles as well as thermosetting polymer composites, are fitted to the equation. The calculated propertyrelated parameters in the equation are discussed. The electrical conductivity of the composites is combined with an extremely large positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect, depending on the filler type (V2O3 or carbon black), as well as on its distribution and volume fraction. Both melting and recrystallization behaviour are responsible for the PTC effect. Due to a conductive filamentary network across the medium, a localized thermal effect comes into existence, leading to self-heating of the body. This gives the composites potential application, for example, in plastic welding. Preliminary experimental results are reported.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 117-124 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Polymer International |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbon black
- General effective media equation
- Plastic welding
- Positive temperature coefficient of resistance
- Selfheating
- Thermal expansion
- Vanadium sesquioxide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Polymers and Plastics
- Organic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry