Nearly constant dielectric loss behavior in ionomers

The electrical conductivity of a series of ionomers has been characterized by measuring the electrical conductivity in a relatively broad range of frequencies and temperatures. At low frequencies, the conductivity of the ionomers exhibits a universal Jonscher power law (JPL), and at higher frequencies a nearly constant loss (NCL) behavior. The NCL for the ionomers is qualitatively similar to that observed for other inorganic ionic conductors. However, the magnitude of NCL for ionomers is lower than that observed for inorganic ionic conductors. The analysis of the conductivity master curves suggests that the conduction mechanism, which includes both the NCL and the JPL behaviors, is governed by ion hopping of the mobile ions. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.