Enhanced melt processing of conductive polymer composites through the addition of a low melting eutectic metal.

Abstract

Polymer materials that exhibit elec. cond. like a metal but retain the flow and formability of a polymer have the potential to be utilized in many applications including energy storage devices, sensors, and EMI shielding. Polymer cond. obtained through an inherently conductive polymer or through the addn. of conductive filler typically reduces the ability to melt process the material. We have developed a melt processable, highly conductive polymer composite to reduce the impact of the viscosity through the addn. of a low melting eutectic metal along with a more traditional metal filler. The concept is that the low melting eutectic metal will be molten at the processing temp. and should have a minimal impact on the composite viscosity while increasing the overall metal loading. After processing, the eutectic will remain solid over the entire anticipated operational temp. of the material. [on SciFinder(R)]