Electrical Conductivity of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to polymers

1.2 Orientations of the work

1.3 Scope

2 RADIATION EFFECTS ON POLYMERS

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Radiation sources

2.3 Microtron

2.4 Terminology and units

2.5 Radiation induced chemical changes in polymer

3 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

3.1 Preparation of sample

3.2 Thickness measurement

3.3 Irradiation

3.4 Electrode coating

3.5 X-ray Diffraction

3.6 Calculation of crystallinity

3.7 IR spectra

3.8 Measurements

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 X-ray Diffraction analysis

4.2 FTIR Analysis

4.3 Conductivity Measurements

5 CONCLUSION

Research Objectives and Topics

The primary objective of this study is to systematically investigate the effects of high-energy electron beam irradiation on the electrical properties, specifically the resistivity, of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). By comparing I-V characteristics before and after irradiation at various doses, the research aims to establish how molecular structural changes influence the material's conductive behavior.

• Effects of high-energy radiation on polymer molecular structure
• Characterization of PVC samples using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and FTIR Analysis
• Investigation of radiation-induced changes in crystallinity
• Measurement and analysis of electrical conductivity variations in irradiated PVC

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the role and history of polymers, specifically PVC, and outlines the research context regarding their electrical applications and susceptibility to radiation.

2 RADIATION EFFECTS ON POLYMERS: Discusses the fundamentals of radiation sources, their interaction with polymeric materials, and the resulting physical and chemical modifications like cross-linking and degradation.

3 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS: Details the preparation of PVC samples, the irradiation process using a Microtron, and the analytical techniques employed, including X-ray Diffraction, FTIR, and electrical conductivity measurements.

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION: Presents and analyzes the data obtained from XRD and FTIR studies and discusses the observed relationship between irradiation dosage and electrical conductivity.

5 CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study's findings, confirming that electron beam irradiation alters the structural characteristics of PVC, leading to increased crystallinity and changes in electrical conductivity.

Keywords

Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC, Electron Beam Irradiation, Polymer Degradation, Cross-linking, Crystallinity, Electrical Conductivity, X-ray Diffraction, FTIR Analysis, Radiation Effects, Polymer Synthesis, Electrical Insulators, I-V Characteristics, Microtron, Material Science.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental focus of this research?

The research focuses on investigating how high-energy electron beam irradiation affects the electrical properties, particularly the electrical resistivity and conductivity, of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

What are the central thematic fields covered?

The central themes include polymer science, the effects of ionizing radiation on material properties, experimental characterization techniques for polymers, and the study of electrical conduction mechanisms in irradiated plastic materials.

What is the primary goal of the study?

The primary goal is to perform a systematic investigation comparing the I-V characteristics of PVC before and after irradiation to understand how radiation-induced molecular changes, such as shifts in crystallinity, influence the material's electrical performance.

Which scientific methods were employed?

The study utilizes electron beam irradiation, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical structural changes, and Keitley source meter units to record I-V characteristics.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the theoretical background of radiation effects on polymers, detailed experimental procedures, the presentation of results from diffraction and infrared analysis, and a discussion on conductivity measurements related to irradiation dose.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include PVC, electron beam irradiation, crystallinity, electrical conductivity, FTIR analysis, and polymer degradation.

Why does the electrical conductivity of PVC change after irradiation?

The study indicates that irradiation alters the polymer structure, leading to an increase in crystallinity and the production of free radicals due to chain scission or cross-linking, which facilitates improved electrical conductivity.

What role does the Microtron play in this research?

The Microtron is the circular accelerator used to deliver the specific 8.75 MeV electron beam required for irradiating the PVC samples at controlled cumulative doses.

How does the irradiation dose affect the crystallinity of PVC?

The experimental results show that the intensity of peaks in XRD patterns increases with the irradiation dose, indicating that the amorphous nature of the pure PVC sample progressively changes into a more crystalline structure.