DIELECTRIC NON-LINEARITY IN POLYMER MATERIALS

The study of dielectric characteristics in case of polymers is performed at NTP condition using LCR meter (4284A, Agilent technologies, USA). The frequency range varies from 20Hz to 1MHz with external bias voltage 0V to 40V. Study was performed for materials viz. Polystyrene (PS), Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polypropylene (PP). Polymers were used in the form of thin films of thickness 20 to 150microns.. PS thin films were prepared and then treated with air plasma glow discharge. PP thin films were treated with electron beam irradiation. PVA was blended with gelatin in various concentrations. The dielectric measurements were correlated with the data taken by FTLR and UV-vis spectra. These micro structural changes due to complex formation of PVA/Gelatin are reflected in the variation of the optical properties. It is worth mentioning that the addition of gelatin gives rise to changes in electrical characteristics. The property improvement was obtained in dielectric constant values of irradiated PP and we also got the enhanced mechanical properties of the same. Effect of change in the value of dielectric constant can be used as a tool for characterization of the material. In today's world of electronic devices, the dielectric parameters are considered as a essential measurement.