A novel polymer composite with double positive‐temperature‐coefficient transitions: effect of filler–matrix interface on the resistivity–temperature behavior

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sn–Pb alloy‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites exhibit double positive‐temperature‐coefficient (PTC) behavior, with the first transition at the melting point of HDPE and the second at that of Sn–Pb alloy. The objective of this study is to improve the reversibility and reproducibility of double‐PTC transitions of these composite materials by enhancing the filler–matrix interface. RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface wettability and dynamic mechanical and rheological measurements confirm that surface‐treating Sn–Pb with titanate concentration ≤1 wt% enhances the interface adhesion between Sn–Pb alloy and HDPE matrix. Surface‐treating Sn–Pb with titanate concentration ≤1 wt% increases the PTC transition temperature, reduces the PTC intensity and improves the reversibility and reproducibility of the double‐PTC behavior of Sn–Pb/HDPE composites. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that adjusting the filler–matrix interface is an effective means to modify the double‐PTC behavior of Sn–Pb alloy‐filled HDPE composites. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Effect of temperature on the electrical properties of copolymer/carbon black mixtures

“…The temperature-resistivity characteristics of carbon black particles filled polymer composites were widely investigated [35]. It was found that in the vicinity of glass transition temperature of the polymer, some conductive particles filled polymer composites could exhibit a positive temperature coefficient in resistivity (PTCR) effect [36].…”

Modified resistivity–strain behavior through the incorporation of metallic particles in conductive polymer composite fibers containing carbon nanotubes

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been considered as one of the best conductive fillers for CPCs due to their large aspect ratio and ultrahigh conductivity , . Recently, CPCs have been investigated extensively to act as sensors for various stimuli, such as strain, temperature and vapor . In terms of strain sensing, a wide range of applications have been proposed, including smart textiles,, health monitoring, wearable electronics, movement sensors, etc.…”

Highly reversible and repeatable PTCR characteristics of PMMA/Ag‐coated glass bead composites based on CTE mismatch phenomena

“…Yi et al [23–25] reported the use of Sn‐Pb alloy as conducting filler in polystyrene (PS) matrix that showed PTC transition of PS/Sn‐Pb composites near the melting point of the filler ( T m : 183°C) instead of the matrix polymer (PS). Zhang et al [26–28] observed double PTCR effect in low melting alloy‐filled semicrystalline polymer composites (HDPE/Sn‐Pb). However, limited reversibility and reproducibility of the double‐PTCR behavior restricted the applications of these composites.…”