A RANDOM NETWORK MODEL FOR ELECTRICAL-TRANSPORT IN CONDUCTING POLYMERS

A random resistor network is proposed as a conceptual model for electr ical transport in conducting polymers. In such a theoretical framework , structural and phenomenological aspects of the system can be simulta neously represented. The influence of topological and morphological di sorder, chain length and polymer orientation on the overall conductivi ty of the idealized polymeric sample is then investigated as a prelimi nary and qualitative assessment to the modelling technique. The result s of computational simulations demonstrate the importance of including structural characteristics into the model to account for the intrinsi c diversity of charge transfer mechanisms which dictate the conducting behaviour of the polymer material.