Further studies on the effects of temperature and #betta#-radiation doses on the electrical conductivity of solid metal complexes

The prepared dry solid metal complexes were compressed at a saturated and suitable pressure of 400 kg cm-2 at room temperature into pellets 1.22 cm in diameter and 0.2 cm thick. The DC electrical conductivity was measured at room and elevated temperatures up to 388 K. The test samples were then subjected to various #betta#-radiation doses ranging from 107 to 1010 rads, using a 60Co gamma cell. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity was also undertaken before and after each radiation dose. The results obtained indicate that the materials under investigation exhibit semiconducting properties in the temperature range studied. The dependence of electrical conductivity and activation energy on temperature and #betta#-radiation doses is discussed and correlated with the type of substitution and the polymeric nature of the complex. The relative stability of the investigated materials towards irradiation damage is established and discussed on the bases of the ligand field strength and #betta#-irradiation induced polymerization. (orig.)