A University of Texas researcher has
developed a modified plastic that can carry variable electric currents.
Dr. Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo, an assistant professor of chemical engineering,
studies, said the plastic - called polyaniline - could serve as flexible,
inexpensive wiring in products such as foldable electronic displays and medical
sensors.
By combining polyaniline with a chemical that gives it conductivity, Loo
discovered she could increase the plastic's conductivity one- to six-fold based
on the version of the chemical added. The results involving the chemical polymer
acid were published in the April 7 issue of the Journal of Materials Chemistry.
According to Loo, chemically altered polyaniline has advantages over the more
commonly used conductive metals, like gold and copper, in devices other than
computers. For example, Loo's previous research has demonstrated that "doped"
polyaniline can be manufactured in solution at room temperatures and without
vacuum chambers. Producing metal-based wires requires special manufacturing
conditions in addition to the high cost of the metals.
"Understanding how the structure of this polyaniline material changes when
its conductivity changes will be crucial for selecting the right material for
different consumer applications," Loo said.
She noted that the ability of the plastic to change colours depending on
whether it was conductive or not could be especially useful.
"Its general versatility could lead to a variety of new consumer products in
upcoming years," she added.
Do you agree?
Have your say on this article