Electronic conductive microporous polymer-based structures

This study aims at developing a highly electronic conductive microporous structure from thermoplastic polymers filled with carbon black (CB) and graphite (GR). The matrix was a low viscosity poly(propylene) (PP) and the conductive additives were composed of high specific surface area CB and synthetic flake GR. Conductive blends were first developed using a corotating twin-screw extruder. Rheological properties and conductivities of these blends were then characterized as a function of blend composition. Blends that show the best compromise between electronic conductivity and processability were subsequently extruded through a sheet die to obtain films of around 500 mu m in thickness. These films were then stretched in two successive steps under controlled temperature and stretching rate to generate a film of controlled microporous structure.