PTC Behavior of Polymer Composites Containing Ionomers upon Electron Beam Irradiation

We have prepared polymer composites of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ionomers (Surlyn 8940) containing polar segments and metal ions by melt blending with carbon black (CB) as a conductive filler. The resistivity and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of the ionomer/LDPE/CB composites were investigated with respect to the CB content. The ionomer content has an effect on the resistivity and percolation threshold of the polymer composites; the percolation curve exhibits a plateau at low CB content. The PTC intensity of the crosslinked ionomer/LDPE/CB composite decreased slightly at low ionomer content, and increased significantly above a critical concentration of the ionomer. Irradiation-induced crosslinking could increase the PTC intensity and decrease the NTC effect of the polymer composites. The minimum switching current (Ι$\sub$trip/) of the polymer composites decreased with temperature; the ratio of Ι$\sub$trip/ for the ionomer/LDPE/CB composite decreased to a greater extent than that of the LDPE/CB composite. The average temperature coefficient of resistance (${\alpha}$$\sub$T/) for the polymer composites increased in the low-temperature region.