Witold Brostow (1), Victor M. Castaño (1,2), Miguel de Icaza (2), Alfonso Huanosta (3), Maria E. Nicho (4) and José M. Saniger (5)

(1) Department of Materials Science, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5310, USA
(2) Department of Applied Plysics and Avanced Technology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Apartado portal 1-1010 Querétaro, Qro. 67000, Mexico
(3) Institute of Materials Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico
(4) Institute of Electrical Research, Apartado postal 475, Curenavaca, Morelos 62000, Mexico
(5) Center for Instrumentation, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Poly(acrylic acid) + zinc diacetate hybrid composites have been prepared by precipitation from aqueous solutions and drying. The lowest glass transition temperature Tg determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is 392C, providing a service temperature range unusually large for polymer-based materials (PBMs). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that thermal decomposition begins some 10-20 K above each Tg. The alternating current impedance was determined in the nitrogen atmosphere from 370C to 530C. Dynamic dielectric measurements were performed between 20C and 350C, also under nitrogen. In contrast to typical PBMs, there is evidence of ionic conduction in some of the composites. The dynamic dielectric properties depend on the composition. The materials obtained are usable in medical applications and as high durability low friction coatings.

Key words: High temperature polymers; Polymer-based composites; Poly(acrylic acid); Zinc acetate; Polymer electric conductivity; Dynamic dielectric properties; Polymers for medicine; High durability coatings; Low friction coatings.