The influence of polymerization by high electric field on the conduction in aromatic hydrocarbons

The electrical conduction of purified toluene, in liquid and gaseous states for negative point-plane electrode geometry, has been studied for high electric field. In toluene liquid, the results depend greatly on the previous use of the point. After a long use of the point, electrical conduction is influenced by an organic deposit at the used tip. This deposit is due to the polymerization of toluene. In toluene vapor, the polymerization by electric field becomes significant. The visualization of the phenomenon at the extremity of the cathode point shows the formation and the growth of a solid filament which consists of aliphatic and aromatic groups.