Characterization of electrical and thermal properties of extruded tapes of thermoplastic conductive polymer composites (CPC)

Two experimental devices have been developed to optimize conductive polymer composite (CPC) formulation. CPCs are used for self-regulated heating applications and thus it is important to determine both their electrical and thermal properties as a function of temperature. Electrical conductivity was determined from extruded tapes for two diphasic thermoplastic CPCs rather different in structure and nature: poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene-co-ethyl acrylate)-carbon black and poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(amide12-b-tetramethyleneglycol) -carbon black. In one case heat is provided by an oven whereas in the second it is self-generated by the CPC, this latter technique allowing thermal conductivity measurement. Although different in principle, the two techniques gave conductivity values in good agreement and the self-regulation effect was evidenced. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.