Ionic diffusion in iPP: DC electrical conductivity

Abstract This study provides a new insight into the relationships between absorption and adsorption processes that occur during the treatment of iPP in aqueous solutions of metal-chloride salts, as well as the impact of these processes on the electrical conductivity of this nonpolar polymer. The polypropylene films (0.5 mm) were exposed to three-day treatments in aqueous solutions of chlorine salts of some alkali and transition metals at temperatures of 22 °C and 80 °C. The treatments induced an increase in the electrical conductivity of iPP, up to 800%. DC conductivity is not directly proportional to the concentrations of metals in the treated films due to the complex relationships between diffusion and adsorption processes. The experiment was set up to simulate the real-world conditions and the study provides practical knowledge on the stability of the electrical conductivity of iPP under exposure to aqueous solutions. The influence of electric aging on the electrical conductivity of the treated films was also examined.