Conductive polymer blends filled with carbon black: Positive temperature coefficient behavior

Abstract

Abstract Electrical conductivity and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior of carbon black (CB) filled incompatible polyblends of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer/low density polyethylene (EVA/LDPE) were investigated. In comparison with single polymer systems, more possibilities for tailoring composite performance were brought about with the employment of polymer blends as matrix resins in conductive composites. Based on the concepts of double percolation and two‐step percolation, PTC‐type composites with balanced performance, improved processability, and reproducibility can be made. Thermodynamical and kinetic factors including interfacial energy, melt viscosity, blending ratio, melt mixing time, sequence of blending as well as CB concentration were shown to be closely related to the ultimate properties obtained.