Title: Ensuring electrical conductivity of polymer-based component

Abstract

The poster deals with a topic of electrically conductive plastics and polymers. Based on the conduction parameter PE-HD filled with carbon was selected for our investigation. Mechanical properties and material composition were analyzed by tensile strength, Charpy impact test and SEM. Low value of toughness was observed probably due to low adhesion between the PE matrix and the carbon filler and the glass fibres reinforcement. Plate formed sample was contacted by Al and/or Cu electrodes. Using various methods including galvanic plating, cold spray deposition and physical vapour deposition (PVD). A criterion based on a climatic test with a rapid temperature change (IEC 60068-2-14) was introduced to evaluate the quality of the adhesion of the coating to the surface of the part. The best result had the coating created by Physical Vapour Deposition technology. This coating was also subjected to an increased number of temperature changes and a more demanding cold environment (from -196°C to 100°C) and even in this case the adhesion of the coating to the substrate was not damaged. The material itself was tested for electrical conductivity and calorific value by electric current. The conductivity of the material is in the order of 100 – 10-1 S/cm.