Pyroresistivity in conductive polymer composites: a perspective on recent advances and new applications: Pyroresistivity in conductive polymer composites

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) with pyroresistive behaviour are of interest for a wide variety of applications such as safe batteries, resettable fuses, temperature sensors and self-regulating heating devices. Due to their ease of processing, low density, tunable electrical properties, good oxidation resistance, and good flexibility and toughness, CPCs have become the preferred choice of pyroresistive materials in a number of applications. The pyroresistive behaviour of CPCs can be tuned to satisfy the specific requirements of different applications. In this perspective paper, recent progress in the use of pyroresistive CPCs is reviewed. In particular, various factors influencing their performance are discussed and compared, in connection with the associated application, with a special focus on reproducibility and positive temperature coefficient intensity levels. Some of the remaining challenges are identified, together with future prospects in this evolving field. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry