ISSN:
0449-2978
Keywords:
Physics
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
The electrical conductivities in vacuo of poly(ethylene oxide) and two higher olefin oxide polymers have been found to be ∼9 orders higher than for other saturated organic polymers. The possibility of ionic transport resulting from the presence of impurities (including water) has been eliminated, and it is proposed that an inherent ionic process is operative, involving the generation of protons and then subsequent transport by a handing-on process. The two general requirements are the presence of proton-accepting atoms (in this case oxygen) in the polymer chains; and proximity to the melting point to ensure adequate chain-mobility. These requirements are met by poly(ethylene oxide), poly(trimethylene oxide), and poly(tetramethylene oxide), which are all close to their melting points at room temperature. poly(methylene oxide), with a melting point of ∼180°C., on the other hand, has the low conductivity of a typical insulator.
Additional Material:
7 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pol.1968.160060206
