An automatic system for determining Seebeck coefficients of polymeric fibers and films

Abstract

An apparatus is described which greatly facilitates the measurement of Seebeck coefficients on materials with low electrical conductivity for use in charge transport studies. A temperature programmer is included in the system and data are recorded automatically, thereby eliminating the need for manual measurements. Special instruments and connections are used to reduce leakage of the thermally generated Seebeck voltage. The apparatus has been especially designed for polymeric films and fibers and a simple and inexpensive method for mounting and testing fiber specimens has been developed. The various types of Seebeck experiments that can be performed with this system and the problems encountered with low conductivity samples are described.