Electronic polymers could replace copper.

Researchers of Ohio State University have found a way to increase the conductivity of electronic polymers to such a degree that they could replace copper as the most commonly used electrical conductor. Electronic polymers are types of plastics that conduct electricity. Scientists found that, by using different concentrations of two solvents, they could control the movement of electrons within the polymers and increase or decrease the plastic's conductivity.

Polymers are made up of long chains of molecules, like threads, that tend to be wavy and move in different directions. However, there are pockets of threads in the polymers that are straight. Arthur Epstein, director of the university's Center for Materials Research, working with doctoral student Randolph Kohlman, found that the straight threads conduct electricity better than wavy threads.

"By controlling how straight the polymer chains are, we can control how easily electrons can move through the polymer...