Nanoscale electron transfer mechanism in metallized polypropylene films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Metallized films (MFs) are crucial in electronics and power systems.
• Increasing demand for MFs with superior properties necessitates understanding micro-level charge transfer.
• Current research focuses on regulating electrical characteristics through electron transfer mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate nanoscale electron transfer mechanisms in metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films.
• To correlate micro-level charge dynamics with macro-level electrical properties.
• To explore the influence of metallized layer thickness and BaTiO3 addition on film performance.

Main Methods:

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for tunnelling current measurements to determine energy barrier height.
• Space charge distribution analysis.
• Development and application of a bipolar carrier simulation model.
• Characterization of dielectric constant, leakage current, breakdown strength, and self-healing properties.

Main Results:

• Thinner metallized layers lead to increased surface charge accumulation and slower dissipation.
• Reduced charge injection into the dielectric layer was observed with thinner layers.
• Metallized layer thickness significantly affects dielectric constant, leakage current, breakdown strength, and self-healing.
• Space charge accumulation directly influences the energy storage capacity of MFs.
• BaTiO3 composite layer incorporation impacts nanoscale charge transfer dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Established a clear relationship between nanoscale electron transfer and macro-level electrical properties of BOPP metallized films.
• Validated the electron transfer mechanism and the role of BaTiO3 through simulation, aligning with experimental data.
• Demonstrated that controlling metallization thickness is key to tailoring MF electrical performance for advanced applications.