Electroconductive Polymer Repellent Composites Based on N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Electrically conductive polymer composites are essential for various applications.
• Repellents are crucial for protection against disease-carrying insects.
• Optimizing repellent delivery systems is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize electrically conductive polymer composites incorporating N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide.
• To investigate the relationship between composite properties, electrical characteristics, and repellent efficacy.
• To evaluate the potential of these composites as effective insect repellents.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of polymer composites with varying concentrations (6-30 wt%) of N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide.
• Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to determine electrical resistivity.
• Rheological property analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to study thermal diffusion.
• Calculation of electrical flux using Peltier and Thompson equations based on Onsager's theory.

Main Results:

• Developed conductive polymer composites with electrical resistivity ranging from 150 to 171 Ohm, suitable for low-voltage applications.
• Demonstrated that dynamic viscosity significantly influences the thermal diffusion of the repellent.
• Achieved a higher repellent yield (up to 36.4 × 10^-8 mol) with a shorter conductor length (14 mm).
• Total substance flux was highest when voltage was applied to the material with the shortest conductor length, aligning with Onsager's theory.

Conclusions:

• The developed N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide-based conductive polymer composites exhibit favorable electrical and thermal properties.
• Material design, particularly conductor length, critically impacts repellent delivery and efficacy.
• These composites represent a promising advancement for effective protection against blood-sucking insects.