NEW CONDUCTING POLYMER NETWORKS

These new polymer networks are based on cross-linked polyethers. The cross-link reaction is carried out by reaction of a diglycidyl compound with a polyether having two terminal primary amine groups. Ionic conductivity depends on the level of cross-linking, the salt concentration and the nature of the polyether. At room temperature, the best obtained conductivity exceeds 4 X 10(-5) S/CM. Mechanical properties are good. These polymer electrolytes are completely amorphous and stable up to 250-degrees-C. The measured glass-transition temperature is close to -56-degrees-C. These networks are also used to synthesize hybrid electrolytes which include a liquid polymer or a high dielectric constant solvent. The conductivity of these electrolytes is close to organic liquid electrolytes.