The effect of thermal ageing on the rheological, thermal and electrical properties of poly(ethylene oxide)

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a water-soluble polymer often used as a model system to observe filler effects. This paper details an investigation into the physical, thermal and electrical properties of thermally aged PEO. Three molecular weight host PEOs were tested for thermal ageing resistance - 100,000 g mol^-1, 400,000 g mol^-1 and 1,000,000 g mol^-1. Thermally aged 100,000 g mol^-1 molecular weight PEO samples were then tested using techniques such as- rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and AC electrical breakdown.