Relations of Mechanical Deformation and Electrical Conductivity of Composites

The review is focused on the effect of various deformation modes on electric conductivity of composites consisting of an insulating polymer matrix and electroconductive filler. The correlations of electric and mechanical properties are demonstrated considering electric conductivity changes and filler structure in the course of mixing, conductivity measurements in compression or tensile deformation and filler concentration in percolation threshold corresponding to the brittle - ductile transition region. The results are discussed in terms of primary formation of conductive physical network of filler during mixing as well as subsequent destruction and possible regeneration of the network due to the applied deformation. The deformation affects both the electric conductivity and mechanical properties of the composite.