Persistent polarization in polymers. I. Relationship between the structure of polymers and their ability to become electrically polarized

The ability of various polymers to acquire persistent polarization (i.e., to become electrets) was investigated. Polarization was induced in the polymers by two methods: (a) by cooling under a voltage drop and (b) by cooling with flow under pressure. There was found to be an optimum temperature for electret formation by either method. This optimum temperature was roughly 37°C. above T_g when polarization was produced by application of a voltage drop and roughly 57°C. when polarization was produced by flow under pressure. Crystallinity and the nonhomogeneities present in blended polymers were harmful to electret formation, but a small critical amount of ionic impurity was helpful.