Dielectric Properties of Linear Polyamides

Abstract

The dielectric constant and loss have been measured for several linear polyamides over a range of frequency and temperature. At low frequencies and elevated temperatures, proton conduction through the amorphous regions gives rise to a Maxwell‐Wagner loss, while at high frequencies and high temperatures dipole relaxation of the amide groups contained in the amorphous regions gives rise to a typical loss peak. Nylons 6, 6–6, 6–10, 7–9, 6–9, and 10–10 yield very similar results. The N‐methylated derivative of nylon 10–10 exhibits a much smaller direct current conductivity than nylon 10–10 (when compared at temperatures of equivalent chain activity) owing to the absence of amide protons.