Interesting "new" material

[hman]

"like conductive Pla-doh," according to this article:

University of Chicago scientists discover material that can be made like a plastic but conducts like metal

‘Like conductive Play-Doh’: breakthrough could point way to new class of materials for electronics, devices

news.uchicago.edu

 

[Alexander McGilton]

Conductive Pla-doh? Notice that the article makes no statement of its actual conductivity? You want to make a conductive polymer? Just add metal particulates to your polymer of choice. Will it be a good conductor or a strong plastic? No, but conductive, yes. This is actualy a major problem in the plastic injection molding industry of electronic components and cases. Metal particulates appear as a contaminate in the recycling of plastics, if unchecked can be a problematic conductor for the device they are making.

 

[hman]

The material developed at U of Chicago does not depend on metal particles. The molecular structure does contain "chains" of nickel atoms. And unlike some other conductive materials, it's unaffected by temperature, moisture, etc.

 

[Huub Buis]

About 30 years ago, the research department of my employer discovered conductive polymer. I haven't heard of it since but at that time, we discussed possible applications for this.

 

[pontiac428]

Adding graphite to polymer resins or silly putty or play-doh will make them all conductive.

 

[graham-xrf]

Adding graphite to polymer resins or silly putty or play-doh will make them all conductive.

Also, adding electrolyte ionic anythings, even slightly acidic water. The (various) tricks to plating onto plastics have been widely applied for decades.