SynopsisMeasurements of direct current conductivity variations with temperature carried out on high molecular weight compounds doped by gaseous substances indicate that the degree of doping of the material forming the test sample has to be held constant during the entire time of measurement. A device for conditioning the test sample is described which allows maintainance of the degree of hydration of a hydrophilic polymer at a constant value during variations of temperature. Results obtained by means of this device with polyamides, polyacrylonitrile, and emeraldine sulfate are reproducible with good accuracy and indicate a predominant influence of absorbed water on the value of the conductivity of these polymers. In the case of hydrated emeraldine sulfate the conductivity unambiguously is shown to be of electronic origin; nevertheless, the influence of water is considerable. The conclusion is drawn that the existence of an influence of absorbed water on the conductivity of a hydrophilic polymer does not exclude electronic conductivity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.