Dielectric gamma relaxation in NaSCN salt complexed PEO

Real and imaginary dielectric spectra of pure, and sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) salt complexed polyethylene oxide (PEO) have been measured as a function of temperature in the region of the gamma relaxation peak. The results support previous assumptions; the concentration of the amorphous phase and the conductivity depend on the salt content. In this temperature range the dielectric loss is apparently the sum of a pure Gaussian gamma relaxation (always present in amorphous polymers) and an additional component which linearly increases with temperature. The microscopic origin of the additional loss needs to be clarified.