ARS | Publication request: Natural Polymers As Matrices for Electroactive Materials

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: January 20, 2004
Publication Date: March 28, 2004
Citation: Finkenstadt, V.L., Willett, J.L. 2004. Natural polymers as matrices for electroactive materials. American Chemical Society, March 28-April 1, 2004, Anaheim, CA. 2004 CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Renewable resources such as starch can be utilized as polymer matrices for electroactive materials. Natural polymers have the potential for use as matrices in non-food, non-agricultural applications and are generally more environmentally-friendly than existing, synthetic products. Thermoplastic starch is naturally insulative; however, the chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the biopolymer matrix can be tailored for specific functionality in a continuous process utilizing reactive extrusion. Ion-conducting materials, produced by doping thermoplastic starch and other polysaccharides with metal halides, have 5 orders of magnitude greater conductance than native materials. The conductance approaches the functional level of synthetic polymer electrolytes. Blends of thermoplastic starch and intrinsically conductive materials show significantly higher levels of conductance while retaining acceptable mechanical properties.