Ionic Conductivity of Polymer-Ceramic Composites

The paper analyzes ionic conductivity data in the and composite electrolyte systems. The polymer and ceramic phases in the systems interact to provide a stable, amorphous phase. The ceramic phase is believed to impart a dual effect. It suppresses crystallization of and interacts with the polymer phase. The nature of the interaction is believed to be dipole-dipole and driven by a dielectric constant gradient. The nanosize ceramic powder provides higher conductivity values because of an enhanced interaction. At low temperatures the dipole-dipole interaction is favored, whereas at high temperatures a reverse trend is observed. A very high dielectric constant material such as provides little additional benefit. © 2001 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.