On the mechanisms of switching between two steady states of electroconductivity in plasticized transparent PVC films

TL;DR

This paper investigates the reversible switching between high and low conductivity states in plasticized PVC films, proposing a qualitative model based on p-n transitions in a non-uniform polymer structure.

Contribution

It introduces a simple qualitative model explaining abnormal conductivity in plasticized PVC films through p-n transitions in a non-uniform structure.

Findings

Reversible switching between two conductivity states was observed.

The specific volume resistance in steady states ranged from 10^4 to 10^6 Ohm·m.

A qualitative model based on p-n transitions explains the abnormal conductivity behavior.

Abstract

The results of experimental researches of electroconductivity of PVC films, plasticized by patented modifier, at fields below the breakdown level are described. A possibility of management of the repeated transitions between two states with high and relatively low conductivity with conservation of reversibility is found out. A simple qualitative model of abnormal conductivity based on representation of polymer film as a sequence p-n of transitions is offered. For samples of plasticized PVC films with thickness 30-50 microns specific volume resistance of steady states was of an order of 10E4 Om*m \times 10E6 Om*m, accordingly. A simple qualitative model describing abnormal character of conductivity of polymeric films is offered. The model considers the presence of known non-uniform plasticized polymer structure with discrete domains in which quasi-free moving of charges can occur. At imposing of an external field semi-condictive domains form sequence of p-n transitions which provides presence of two states of conductivity, in analogy with dinistors.