Technical Review : Conducting Polymer Electronics

Abstract

Before conducting polymers can be employed in many applications, some of the intrinsic properties of these materials need to be better understood. An overview of the research and development of conducting polymers being undertaken at UTS is presented. Because conducting polymers are difficult to process once fabricated, an understanding of synthesis parameters and the use of synthesis techniques to pro duce conducting polymer films with desired properties is of the upmost importance. Descriptions of the galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques employed to produce polyheterocyclics are presented. Thermal properties such as thermal diffusivity, ther mal conductivity and specific heat are being investigated. Preliminary results reveal that the thermal diffusivity of polypyrrole is higher than that achieved with traditional polymers. The nature of contacts and junctions with polypyrrole and poly(3-methyl thiophene) are discussed. High work function metals form ohmic junctions with polypyr role while aluminium forms a Schottky barrier with poly(3-methylthiophene). Micro wave studies on polypyrrole films reveal that the microwave transmission and reflection are dependent upon the doping level of the film. Applications of the conducting polymers in data security modules and for light weight electrically conducting wires are also il lustrated.