Enriched macromolecular materials having temperature-independent high electrical conductivity and methods of making same
First Claim
1. A method for increasing a concentration of free electrons in a macromolecular material, the method comprising:
- a) subjecting the macromolecular material to an electromagnetic field that increases the concentration of free electrons within a region of the macromolecular material; and
b) extracting a portion of material within the region to obtain an enriched material having a concentration of free electrons greater than an original concentration of free electrons in the macromolecular material.
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Abstract
A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 106 S/cm is used to form conductive films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conductive threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium then may be solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane. Devices incorporating these films include electrical interposers, thermoelectric devices, thermally insulating electrical connectors, pressure switches, field emission devices and fault current limiters. The films can also be used to protect conductors from chemical corrosion without electrically insulating them. They also find application as electromagnetic shielding, reflectors, and polarizers.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for increasing a concentration of free electrons in a macromolecular material, the method comprising:
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a) subjecting the macromolecular material to an electromagnetic field that increases the concentration of free electrons within a region of the macromolecular material; and
b) extracting a portion of material within the region to obtain an enriched material having a concentration of free electrons greater than an original concentration of free electrons in the macromolecular material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. An enriched macromolecular material comprising a plurality of conductive regions, wherein a density of free electrons in the material is at least 1018 per cubic centimeter and wherein the conductive regions have conductivity greater than 106 S/cm at temperatures below a temperature of decomposition of the material.
- 11. A material comprising a cross-linked nonconjugated polymer having regions of conductivity greater than 106 S/cm.
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13. A conductive material produced according to the following method:
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a) increasing a density of free electrons in a macromolecular medium to produce an enriched material having a free electron density of at least 1018 free electrons per cubic centimeter; and
b) forming the conductive material from the enriched material, wherein the conductive material has a conductivity of at least 106 S/cm. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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- 17. A macromolecular film having a free electron density of at least 1018 free electrons per cubic centimeter, comprising parallel threads with conductivity of at least 106 S/cm at temperatures below a temperature of decomposition of the material.
Specification