DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS AT MICROWAVE FREQUENCIES.

Abstract

The mechanism of polarization, in the microwave frequency range, is that of orientation polarization with the molecular segments having permanent dipole moments attempting to oscillate with the alternating electric field. This motion of the dipolar segments generates frictional heat which can provide energy sufficient to cure a polymer system when electromagnetic radiation is applied. Therefore, a knowledge of the dielectric properties of polymer systems at microwave frequencies is important. The dielectric parameters for a series of hydroxyl terminated polystyrene samples are shown. As the hydroxyl concentration changes both epsilon prime and epsilon double prime increase. Therefore, small changes in the polar group concentrations of a polymer system can have a significant effect on the dielectric properties.