Polymer Composites with Self-Regulating Temperature Behavior: Properties and Characterization

A novel conductive composite material with homogeneous binary polymer matrix of HDPE (HD) and LLDPE (LLD), mixed with conductive filler consisting of carbon black (CB) and graphite (Gr), was tested against a HDPE composite with a similar conductive filler. Even the concentration of the conductive filler was deliberately lower for (CB + Gr)/(LLD + HD), and the properties of this composite are comparable or better to those of (CB + Gr)/HD. The kinetic parameters of the ρ-T curves and from the DSC curves indicate that the resistivity peak is obtained when the polymer matrix is fully melted. When subjected to repeated thermal cycles, the composite (CB + Gr)/(LLD + HD) presented a better electrical behavior than composite CB + Gr)/HD, with an increase in resistivity (ρmax) values with the number of cycles, as well as less intense NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) effects, both for the crosslinked and thermoplastic samples. Radiation crosslinking led to increased ρmax values, as well as to inhibition of NTC effects in both cases, thus having a clear beneficial effect. Limitation effects of surface temperature and current intensity through the sample were observed at different voltages, enabling the use of these materials as self-regulating heating elements at various temperatures below the melting temperature. The procedure based on physical mixing of the components appears more efficient in imparting lower resistivity in solid state and high PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) effects to the composites. This effect is probably due to the concentration of the conductive particles at the surface of the polymer domains, which would facilitate the formation of the conductive paths. Further work is still necessary to optimize both the procedure of composite preparation and the properties of such materials.