Electroactive materials composed of starch

Extruded films of plasticized starch were doped with metal halides to produce solid ion-conducting materials. The electrical conductance of the material increased from 10(-11) to 10(-6) Siemens/cm. The type and amount of dopant affects the conductance of the material. Although the materials are moisture sensitive, water content does not have a significant effect on the conductance of doped films. Mechanical properties of doped films indicate that the starch is plasticized and that the ion-conducting material is strong and tractable. Unlike intrinsically conductive polymers, electroactive starch materials can be extruded in thin films or molded into any shape.