Dielectric properties of polymers at microwave frequencies

Abstract

The measurement of the dielectric properties of a polymer system is an important physical characterization technique. With the ability to use microwave radiation for curing of polymer systems, the measurement of the dielectric properties at microwave frequencies is vital. The two polymer systems that have been investigated in this work are the epoxide system of EPON 828/ 4,4' DDS (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) and a series of well defined polystyrenes with varying end groups and end group concentrations. The Hewlett-Packard network analyzer has been used to measure both the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric in the frequency range of 1-18 GHz. Both coaxial airline and waveguide techniques were used.