Functional composite material

PURPOSE: To obtain a semiconductive composite material which can easily be molded into any shape by mixing a gluten, gliadin, or glutenin with a polyhydric alcohol. CONSTITUTION: A gluten, gliadin, or glutenin is mixed with a polyhydric alcohol (e.g. ethylene glycol) to obtain the title material. The amount of the alcohol is preferably 20-50, 5-50, or 20-50 pts.wt. per 100 pts.wt. gluten, gliadin, or glutenin, respectively. Since this material can easily be molded into any shape, it can be utilized as a functional material when molded into a desired shape and connected to adequate electrodes. Examples of its application include a sensor for detecting something as a mean for a large area, e.g. a planar or linear area, and a sensor fitted to a curved or movable surface. Dissolving or dispersing the material into a solvent gives a coating composition, adhesive, etc., from which a film can be formed. COPYRIGHT: (C)1993,JPO&Japio