Electrical conduction properties of several biodegradable polymers

Electrical conduction properties of Ave biodegradable polymers, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and poly-L-lactic acid, are discussed in relation to their measured values of glass transition temperature, complex permittivity, and breakdown strength. Conductivity is high in the polymers with low glass transition temperatures, and is in good proportion to the dielectric loss factor of each sample. Breakdown strength is low in such polymers. These results are reasonable, since molecular motion is active, and dipolar orientation and carrier transport are activated, when the polymer is in the rubber state.