Novel conductive polymers

Citation

(1999), "Novel conductive polymers", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 28 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1999.12928aad.004

Novel conductive polymers

Novel conductive polymers

Keywords Baxenden, Coatings, Polymers

As part of Baxenden Chemicals Ltd's strategy to diversify its speciality resins business, the company has recently announced the advanced development of a patented polythiophene, the result of its collaboration with Kingston University.

Current conductive polymer technology utilizes materials such as polyaniline, which typically has a conductivity up to 10 Siemens/cm. Polythiophenes, however, have a conductivity of up to 20 Siemens/cm. The new development, which was assigned to Baxenden by Kingston University, can be incorporated into novel applications, using a unique production process.

Conductivity can be further increased by doping the polymer to offer tailor-made conductivities of up to 100 Siemens/cm. This improved performance presents new opportunities for inclusion in appliances which were previously uneconomical on performance grounds.

The polythiophenes are currently available in laboratory samples. Pilot plant quantities will be produced in the near future.

Widespread applications for these materials are envisaged, from conductive coatings for textiles and floor coverings to electromagnetic induction shielding applications.

Details from Speciality Chemicals Division, Baxenden Chemicals Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1254 872278; Fax: +44 (0)1254 871247.