Michael S. Hawkins

Electrical Conduction in Iron Oxide Powder Coated with Polymethyl Methacrylate

Current-voltage and transient behaviours of iron oxide powder coated with polymethyl methacrylate (i.e., a model xerographic carrier) was studied by measuring current through powder piles sandwiched between two planar electrodes. A space charge limited process was identified as the major factor controlling transverse DC conduction in the coatings. Current-voltage hysteresis and the characteristic transient behaviour observed in the present structure indicate the presence of intrinsic longlifetime traps in polymethyl methacrylate, that may play a significant role in its triboelectric response.