PTC effect in HDPE filled with carbon blacks modified by Ni and Au metallic particles

Several types of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) composites are prepared by using Ni and Au modified carbon black. The major aim of this work was the lowering of the room temperature resistivity of the composites by enhancement of electrical conduction of the CB particles by incorporating metallic particles. Investigations showed that the metal particles fill the cavities and surface defects of the CB and thus surface free area reduces after modification. Metallic particles also change the nature of the CB particles after modification. Several types of PTC composites were prepared by using modified and unmodified CB by several loading level of filler. Measuring electrical properties of the PTC samples showed that the Ni modified CB reduce room temperature resistivity to lower than that of PTC composites prepared by unmodified CB. PTC composites prepared by Au modified CBs showed very different properties compared to PTC composites prepared by Ni modified CB. Their resistivities were quite higher than the others showing a poor compatibility between the matrix and Au modified CB. The effect of thermal annealing also investigated on the electrical properties of the prepared composites. Room temperature resistivities reduced for most of the samples while PTC intensities increased after annealing. Theoretical bases are employed to discuss the room temperature resistivity and PTC behavior of the composites before and after annealing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007