Charge stabilization devices

The oxidation and reduction (redox) processes in electroactive polymers (EAPs) make it possible to use these polymer materials as charge storage devices, either as battery electrodes or as supercapacitors. The potential for reduced cost, weight, and enviromnental impact of EAP electrodes relative to the metals and metal oxides that are traditionally used in such devices makes these polymers attractive alternatives. While inorganic options are limited, EAPs can be tailored to provide specific properties, such as conductivity, voltage window, storage capacity, porosity, reversibility, and chemical and environmental stability. 

Pyrotechnics have been used for military purposes for many centuries as propellants, explosive charges, time fuses, and for illumination. There are still many uses of pyrotechnic devices in military appHcations, where they provide portability, storage stability, simplicity of operation, safety, and the reUability required for military scenarios. The devices must be capable of surviving rough handling, weather extremes, and extended storage, yet reUably perform when called on to function. 

Nickel-cadmium cells have a very low ac resistance of 1 mil. The charge state of the cells is of secondary importance. Nickel-cadmium cells must have sufficient current capacity and have current stability. They can be used directly as a dc decoupling device (Fig. 14-6) [6]. 

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