Al-Qatatsheh A, Capricho JC, Vongsvivut JP, Tobin MJ, Juodkazis S, Hameed N. Magnetic field induced alignment of macroradical epoxy for enhanced electrical properties.
SOFT MATTER 2022;
18:5194-5203. [PMID:
35195649 DOI:
10.1039/d1sm01731d]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Improving the electrical performance of macroradical epoxy thermosets to surpass the semiconductor threshold requires a comprehensive understanding of the electrical charge transport mechanisms and characteristics. In this study, we investigate the electrical properties of a non-conjugated radical thermoset in a rigid, three-dimensional (3D) motif cured under an external magnetic field. The outcomes of the four-angle analysis of the synchrotron IRM beamline provide for the first time quantitative insights into the molecular orientation at the atomic-scale level. These insights, in turn, were utilized to apply Quantum Computational modeling theories and Monte Carlo simulation to study the effect of the magnetic field-induced molecular alignment on tuning electrical charge transport characteristics. The results explored the impact of radical density on forming percolation networks, showing a robust protocol for designing polymers with high electrical/thermal conductivity.
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