Enriched macromolecular materials having temperature-independent high electrical conductivity and methods of making same

Abstract

A polymer material comprising channels whose temperature-independent conductivity exceeds 10 6 S/cm is used to form conductive films. Conduction takes place through threads and channels passing through the film which is otherwise a dielectric. The film is produced by first depositing a macromolecular polymer substance on a substrate. During preparation, the substance is preferably in a viscous liquid state. Stable free electrons (polarons) are then created by ionizing the substance. This is assisted by exposure to UV radiation and the presence of strong polar groups in the polymer. Various enrichment techniques, such as applying a strong electric field, are then used to join the superpolarons together into conductive threads within the medium. To stabilize the positions of the threads, the medium then may be solidified, preferably by cooling it below its glass transition point or inducing cross-linking between the macromolecules. The film may be a membrane. Devices incorporating these films include electrical interposers, thermoelectric devices, thermally insulating electrical connectors, pressure switches, field emission devices and fault current limiters. The films can also be used to protect conductors from chemical corrosion without electrically insulating them. They also find application as electromagnetic shielding, reflectors, and polarizers.

1 - 18 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       19 . A method of creating a highly conducting free standing film, comprising the steps of forming a highly conducting macromolecular film on a substrate, and then using a blast of gas to effectuate the peeling of the film off said substrate.  
   
   
       20 . A method of creating a highly conducting free standing film, comprising the steps of forming a highly conducting macromolecular film on a sodium chloride substrate, and then dissolving the sodium chloride substrate with water.  
   
   
       21 . A method of creating a highly conducting membrane, comprising the steps of forming a high conducting macromolecular film on a substrate, and peeling the film off said substrate, wherein said substrate is non conducting substrate which does not react chemically with the film.  
   
   
       22 . A method of creating a highly conducting membrane, comprising the steps of forming a highly conducting macromolecular film on a substrate, and peeling the film off said substrate, wherein the substrate is a conductive substrate.