DIELECTRIC AND CONDUCTIVITY RELAXATION IN DRY AND HUMID SOLID PEO ELECTROLYTES

The interaction of water with uncomplexed poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG) is studied by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy techniques for water contents up to about 0.60(w/w). The techniques used include thermally stimulated depolarization currents, thermally stimulated polarization currents and de conductivity measurements in the temperature range 77-300 K, as well as broadband ac techniques in the frequency range 10-10(10) Hz. The results are discussed in terms of molecular distribution and organization of water in a separate phase, restriction of the molecular mobility of water molecules, dipolar and space charge contributions to the main (alpha) relaxation and plasticizing action of water.