Subject: UFTO RFI — Positive Temp. Coeff. Polymers (PTC)
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 19:17:40 -0800
From: Ed Beardsworth
TO: National Lab Contacts

**UFTO Request for Information ***
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Positive Temperature Coefficient Polymers (PTC)
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Is any research carried out in National Laboratories regarding Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) polymers?

These materials are made of polyethylene (or others polymers) and carbon. When the temperature is low the carbon atoms are very close and the resistance is low. When the temperature increases the distance between carbon atoms is bigger and the resistance increases rapidly.

Due to this very high positive temperature coefficient, the applications of such materials are essentially current limiters. These limiters might favorably replace circuit breakers in some cases. Are there any developments for low, medium and high voltage applications?

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| ** UFTO ** Edward Beardsworth ** Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 415-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 415-328-5675
|
| NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: edbeards@ufto.com
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