Dielectric, transport and thermal properties of clay based polymer- nanocomposites

The polymer nanocomposite films (PNC) with varying amounts of organically modified sodium montmorillonite (DMMT) clay in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) based polymer matrix were prepared by solution cast technique. Dielectric measurements were carried out on these films as a function of frequency at 30 degrees C and 100 degrees C. The addition of clay significantly improved the ionic conductivity. Transport parameters, such as the diffusion coefficient (D), number density (n) and mobility () of charge carriers were determined using a new approach, which is based on impedance spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent dc conductivity, relaxation and mobility plots obey the Arrhenius rule. The results suggest that the higher ionic conductivity of these PNC films at elevated temperature is not only due to increased mobility of ions, but it is accompanied by a significant increase in carrier concentration. Analysis of DSC thermogram reveals a very high percentage of amorphous content for all samples. A good correlation among dielectric permittivity, carrier concentration, mobility and ionic conductivity has also been observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:220-227, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers