Abstract
The influence of solvent uptake (%) on the electrical resistivity S of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends filled with different concentrations of high abrasion furnace carbon black has been studied. The effects of the EPDM/NBR weight ratio and carbon black content on the room temperature resistivity of the composites were elucidated in detail. The performance of these sensors depends on a number of parameters, including the geometry and concentration of the conductive component dispersed in the polymer. Direct current current-voltage I-V characteristics of the filled rubber blends were studied at room temperature. The current-voltage relationship can be expressed as I = AV
B
, where A and B are constants that show capability and property of electrical conduction respectively. The I-V curve can be divided into ohmic and non-ohmic regions. A number of important parameters, namely, Schottky and Poole-Frenkel effects, have been determined.