Transport Properties of Composite Materials. 1. Electrical Conductivity

Book excerpt: A new model is reported for the prediction of the electrical conductivity of polymeric materials filled with conducting particles, short fibers, and/or platelets. The model takes into account chain and network formation by contacting filler units which provide continuous conduction paths. The incorporation of this important structural feature shows that sharp transitions in conductivity occur within a narrow range of filler concentrations. The critical concentrations associated with these transitions establish the minimum concentration of conducting filler required to achieve conducting behavior. jg p4.