Positive temperature coefficient composition
First Claim
1. A positive temperature coefficient composition having a preselected switching temperature, said composition comprising(a) a continuous, single phase solution of(i) a polymer, wherein said polymer provides cohesion and flexibility to said positive temperature coefficient composition and comprises greater than 25% by weight of said single phase solution, and(ii) a monomeric crystallizable organic compound miscible in said polymer, having between about 10-40 carbon atoms and a characteristic crystalline melt temperature, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of saturated hydrocarbons, organic acids and alcohols, and(b) electrically conductive particles dispersed throughout said single phase solution,wherein said composition has a switching temperature in the vicinity of said characteristic crystalline melt temperature, and below about 150°
- Fahrenheit.
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Abstract
A positive temperature coefficient composition including a monomeric crystalline organic material is disclosed having a preselected switching temperature below about 150° Fahrenheit. Devices incorporating same and related method of manufacture are set forth. The material includes a continuous, single phase solution of a polymer, for providing cohesion and flexibility to the positive temperature coefficient material.
17 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A positive temperature coefficient composition having a preselected switching temperature, said composition comprising
(a) a continuous, single phase solution of (i) a polymer, wherein said polymer provides cohesion and flexibility to said positive temperature coefficient composition and comprises greater than 25% by weight of said single phase solution, and (ii) a monomeric crystallizable organic compound miscible in said polymer, having between about 10-40 carbon atoms and a characteristic crystalline melt temperature, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of saturated hydrocarbons, organic acids and alcohols, and (b) electrically conductive particles dispersed throughout said single phase solution, wherein said composition has a switching temperature in the vicinity of said characteristic crystalline melt temperature, and below about 150° - Fahrenheit.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of manufacturing a positive temperature coefficient material having a preselected switching temperature, said method comprising the steps of:
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introducing into a polymer matrix containing dispersed electrically conductive particulate material; a polymer-miscible monomeric crystallizable organic compound having between about 10 to 40 carbon atoms and a characteristic crystalline melt temperature in an amount sufficient to set the switching temperature of the resulting positive temperature coefficient material to a temperature range in the vicinity of said characteristic crystalline melt temperature. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A positive temperature coefficient composition having a preselected switching temperature, said composition comprising
(a) a continuous, single phase solution of (i) a polymer matrix, wherein said polymer provides cohesion and flexibility to said positive temperature coefficient composition and comprises greater than 25% by weight of said single phase solution, and (ii) a monomeric crystallizable organic compound miscible in said polymer, said compound being having between about 10-40 carbon atoms and a characteristic crystalline melt temperature, and (b) electrically conductive particles dispersed throughout said single phase solution, wherein said composition has a switching temperature in the vicinity of said characteristic crystalline melt temperature.
Specification