Gerald A. Campbell

Electrical and Physical Properties of Thin Films Containing Charged Microgel Polymers

Conductive polymeric thin films are applicable for controlling the accumulation of static electricity on insulating substrates. Historically, water-soluble polyionomers mixed with hydrophilic binder polymers have been used for this purpose. The functions of the binder are to provide flexibility, improve adhesion, impart a degree of permanence, and act as a moisture sump. This latter function has been considered important, since the conductivity of polyionomers is dependent on relative humidity.2 Such conductive films generally possess certain physical property deficiencies, however, including poor abrasion resistance and tackiness at high temperatures and relative humidities. If soluble polyionomers are coated with a hydrophobic binder, tackiness at higher temperatures and humidities is still observed, indicative that the polyionomer still has a significant effect on the physical properties of the coating surface.