Low frequency dielectric dispersion of microporous membranes in electrolyte solution

The electrical properties of microporous membranes in 1 mM KCl solution have been investigated in the frequency range 1 mHz to 1 kHz, using a four-electrode measuring cell, An alpha-dispersion centred around 0.1 Hz was detected and this was assumed to be caused by counterion relaxation effects in the pores of the membrane, Schwarz theory was used to provide a rough estimate on the results to be expected from the measurements. This study is part of a project of which the objective is to reveal the contribution from the electrical properties of the sweat ducts to the total electrical properties of the epidermal stratum corneum, Although the phase angles measured on the membranes were small (<2.9 degrees), more data are needed before any conclusions regarding human skin can be drawn. (C) 1998 Academic Press.