Abstract
Continuous layer-multiplying coextrusion offers a new approach for processing metal-filled polymers into conducting structures. In this process, filled and unfilled polymers are combined into unique structures with many alternating layers of two or more components. The total number of layers can range from tens to thousands. The ability of microlayering to “organize” anisotropic particles was used to obtain metal-filled polypropylene tape with highly anisotropic electrical properties. Orientation of metal flakes by microlayering increased the anisotropy in resistivity by two orders of magnitude over compression molding. Isolation of individual filled layers by alternating filled and unfilled layers resulted in materials with many independent conducting pathways. Filled layers with 10% (v/v) copper flakes or 15% (v/v) nickel flakes were conductive only if the filled layers were thick compared to the thickness of the flake particles. When the thickness of the filled layers approached the particle thickness, the conductive properties were lost. This behavior was understood by comparing the three-dimensional arrangement of flakes in thick conductive layers with the two-dimensional particle layout of thin non-conductive layers.
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Nazarenko, S., Hiltner, A. & Baer, E. Polymer microlayer structures with anisotropic conductivity. Journal of Materials Science 34, 1461–1470 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004527205239
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004527205239