Rheology/Resistivity Correlation in Carbon Black-Containing Immiscible Polymer Blends

Abstract

Immiscible polymer blends are interesting host multiphase systems for the incorporation of low concentrations of fine electrically conductive fillers, such as carbon black (CB). The filler tends to accumulate preferentially in certain regions within the multi-phase matrix, inducing the formation of segregated structures whereupon CB may form a conductive network [Gubbels et al, 1995; Breuer et al., 1997]. Thus, the electrical conductivity is enhanced, and the critical CB content essential for percolation is significantly reduced. The low filler content is of practical advantage due to the tendency of high CB contents to complicate polymer compounding and processing and to diminish mechanical properties.