With respect to electrical behavior, materials are subdivided into insulators or dielectrics, semi-conductors and conductors, according to their ability to conduct electric charge.
The parameter that characterizes a material in relation to the phenomena of electric current transport is electrical conductivity σ [1/Ω*m] or its inverse, ρ [Ω*m] electrical resistivity.
Electrical conductivity values for different materials:
| Materials in electronics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Conductive | Semiconductive | Insultating |
| Metals σ=107÷103 [1/Ω*m] | Semimetals: Si, Ge.. Compounds: AsGa, AlAs, InGaAs.. σ=103÷10--9 [1/Ω*m] | Ceramics σ=10-9÷10-13 [1/Ω*m] Polymers σ=10--14÷10-17[1/Ω*m] |
Polymeric materials are widely used as insulators in electronic equipment due to their exceptional dielectric characteristics.
In the electronics industry, the insulating materials electrically isolate different voltage elements or the individual conductors pertaining to different phases.
In this type of application the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer are also fundamental, since the lifetime of the electric machines depends on the performance of the insulating components, which must resist thermal and mechanical stresses.
ABS and polycarbonate are widely used in the consumer electronics industry for the construction of connectors, ducts and containers. Polyamides are used for applications that require performance at higher operating temperatures.
Superpolymers such as PEEK combine exceptional dielectric properties, thermal resistance and unbeatable chemical stability even in the harshest environments. The combing strengths of these properties make PEEK the ideal material for building connectors and cable coatings in the aeronautical, aerospace and oil sectors.