Space Charge and Electrical Conduction Properties of Polypropylene Copolymer Films

Abstract

We investigated the space charge and charging current characteristics in polypropylene copolymer films polymerized with metallocene and Ziegler-Natta catalysts, respectively. Positive and negative homo space charges were observed and their amounts showed maxima at 40 °C. Charge carriers injected from the semiconducting (SC) electrode were dominant at 60 °C. The copolymerization of ethylene enhanced the apparent carrier mobility and the charging current. Evaporated Al electrode showed much less carrier injection than Al plate or SC electrode (mechanically-contacted electrode). Carrier injection from SC electrode was dominant than that from Al plate. These suggest that the space charge formation depends on not only electrode materials but also contact conditions.