Electrical Resistance and Resistivity

Resistivity or specific resistance (S) is defined as the electrical resistance (R) multiplied by the cross-sectional area of polymer test piece (A) and divided by its length (L)  

Electrical resistance measurements have been reported for polyaniline-cerium oxide composites [29], polyester fibers [30], and carbon-containing epoxy composites [31], whereas electrical positivity measurements have been reported for hydroelectron 

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See equation 5.3 for relationship between electrical resistivity and resistance. At 290-300 K. 

A third type of epoxy resin is cycloaliphatic (Fig. 3.23). These are harder to cure but offer better electrical resistance and resistance to sunlight. 

Figure C2.16.1. A nomogram comparing electrical resistivity of pure (intrinsic) and doped Si witli metals and insulators.

Selenium exhibits both photovoltaic action, where light is converted directly into electricity, and photoconductive action, where the electrical resistance decreases with increased illumination. These properties make selenium useful in the production of photocells and exposure meters for photographic use, as well as solar cells. Selenium is also able to convert a.c. electricity to d.c., and is extensively used in rectifiers. Below its melting point selenium is a p-type semiconductor and is finding many uses in electronic and solid-state applications. 

It is a white crystalline, brittle metal with a pinkish tinge. It occurs native. Bismuth is the most diamagnetic of all metals, and the thermal conductivity is lower than any metal, except mercury. It has a high electrical resistance, and has the highest Hall effect of any metal (i.e., greatest increase in electrical resistance when placed in a magnetic field). 

The electronic configuration for an element s ground state (Table 4.1) is a shorthand representation giving the number of electrons (superscript) found in each of the allowed sublevels (s, p, d, f) above a noble gas core (indicated by brackets). In addition, values for the thermal conductivity, the electrical resistance, and the coefficient of linear thermal expansion are included. 

It resembles polytetrafiuoroethylene and fiuorinated ethylene propylene in its chemical resistance, electrical properties, and coefficient of friction. Its strength, hardness, and wear resistance are about equal to the former plastic and superior to that of the latter at temperatures above 150°C. 

It possesses excellent ozone resistance, very good weathering and electrical properties, and good heat resistance. 

Silicone rubbers have excellent ozone and weathering resistance, good electrical properties, and good adhesion to metal. 

An extensive new Section 10 is devoted to polymers, rubbers, fats, oils, and waxes. A discussion of polymers and rubbers is followed by the formulas and key properties of plastic materials. Eor each member and type of the plastic families there is a tabulation of their physical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and characteristics. A similar treatment is accorded the various types of rubber materials. Chemical resistance and gas permeability constants are also given for rubbers and plastics. The section concludes with various constants of fats, oils, and waxes. 

Surface conduction is monitored in most humidity sensors through the use of porous ceramics of MgCr204—Ti02 that adsorb water molecules which then dissociate and lower the electrical resistivity. 

Some nonhygroscopic materials such as metals, glass, and plastics, have the abiUty to capture water molecules within microscopic surface crevices, thus forming an invisible, noncontinuous surface film. The density of the film increases as the relative humidity increases. Thus, relative humidity must be held below the critical point at which metals may etch or at which the electrical resistance of insulating materials is significantly decreased. 

Spinel ferrites, isostmctural with the mineral spinel [1302-67-6] MgAl204, combine interesting soft magnetic properties with a relatively high electrical resistivity. The latter permits low eddy current losses in a-c appHcations, and based on this feature spinel ferrites have largely replaced the iron-based core materials in the r-f range. The main representatives are MnZn-ferrites (frequencies up to about 1 MH2) and NiZn-ferrites (frequencies 1 MHz). 

Electrical Resistance—Conductivity. Most fillers are composed of nonconducting substances that should, therefore, provide electrical resistance properties comparable to the plastics in which they are used. However, some fillers contain adsorbed water or other conductive species that can gready reduce their electrical resistance. Standard tests for electrical resistance of filled plastics include dielectric strength, dielectric constant, arc resistance, and d-c resistance. 

Polyimide. Polyimide is a biaxiaHy oriented high performance film that is tough, flexible, and temperature- and combustion-resistant. Its room temperature properties compare to poly(ethylene terephthalate), but it retains these good characteristics at temperatures above 400°C. Its electrical resistance is good and it is dimensionally stable. The principal detriment is fairly high moisture absorbance. The main uses are for electrical insulation, particularly where high temperatures are prevalent or ionizing radiation is a problem. The films may be coated to reduce water absorption and enhance... 

Further improvements in anode performance have been achieved through the inclusion of certain metal salts in the electrolyte, and more recently by dkect incorporation into the anode (92,96,97). Good anode performance has been shown to depend on the formation of carbon—fluorine intercalation compounds at the electrode surface (98). These intercalation compounds resist further oxidation by fluorine to form (CF ), have good electrical conductivity, and are wet by the electrolyte. The presence of certain metals enhance the formation of the intercalation compounds. Lithium, aluminum, or nickel fluoride appear to be the best salts for this purpose (92,98). 

The principal uses of PCTFE plastics remain in the areas of aeronautical and space, electrical/electronics, cryogenic, chemical, and medical instmmentation industries. AppHcations include chemically resistant electrical insulation and components cryogenic seals, gaskets, valve seats (56,57) and liners instmment parts for medical and chemical equipment (58), and medical packaging fiber optic appHcations (see Fiber optics) seals for the petrochemical /oil industry and electrodes, sample containers, and column packing in analytical chemistry and equipment (59). 

Induction furnaces utilize the phenomena of electromagnetic induction to produce an electric current in the load or workpiece. This current is a result of a varying magnetic field created by an alternating current in a cod that typically surrounds the workpiece. Power to heat the load results from the passage of the electric current through the resistance of the load. Physical contact between the electric system and the material to be heated is not essential and is usually avoided. Nonconducting materials cannot be heated directiy by induction fields. 

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