Optimization of electromagnetic attributes of conducting polymers for microwave applications

Abstract

The electromagnetic attributes of conducting polymers are perturbed in order to make newlinethem suitable for various niche applications. By doping process and incorporation of newlineconductive nanoparticles like carbon nanotubes and graphene the conductivity of conducting newlinepolymers are extended to metallic range. This is due to the efficient coupling of isolated newlinemetallic islands by the dopant and conductive fillers. Thus, a three dimensional conducting newlinenetwork is formed and inter domain transport is enhanced by hoping/tunnelling. These newlinemodified composites can be used for high conductivity applications like antenna design, newlinebackscattering etc. newlineBy conformational change of the structure, inter chain and intra chain tunnelling can be newlineenhanced and this is achieved by the process of secondary doping. The presence of a rigid newlinebackbone is responsible for the poor dispersibility of conducting polymers. Strategies like newlineintroduction of functional groups as side groups, copolymerization etc. are used to improve the newlinesolubility of conducting polymers without compromising much in its conductivity. The newlineincorporation of compatibilizers will also use to stabilize the dispersions. The screening effect newlinebetween the core and shell modules in core shell structure like PEDOT: PSS are overcome by newlinethe incorporation of solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). newlineBy the simultaneous incorporation of conductive, magnetic and dielectric nanoparticles newlinethe reflective and absorption properties of the composites are boosted. This is due to the newlineformation of various losses and the impedance matching condition is achieved. This modified newlinemultiphase systems can be used for shielding applications. The film forming property of the newlinenanocomposites are enhanced by incorporation of matrices like Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and newlinepolyethylene terephthalate (PET).By optimum modification the reflection can be eliminated newlineand the composite becomes a pure absorber. This composite material can be used for the newlinedevelopment of a stealth material. So, by the incorporation of nano dimension fillers light newlineweight and flexible electromagnetic structures like antennas, electromagnetic shield and newlinestealth material can be developed newline