Conductivity Modification of Carbon-Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

The combination of carbon materials and polymer has been well studied according to their compatable mixture in polymer with promising properties. Due to their excellent electrical and thermal properties for some types of carbons such as carbon nanotubes and graphite, they have been selected as component for nanocomposites. Here, capability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and graphite for nanocomposites were demonstrated. Nanotubes were functionalized by chemical process, and added into polyvinyl chloride (PVA) matrix. They were then used as main filler to modify thermal and electrical conductivities. Conductivities of different composite mixtures were finally investigated. With the use of low total amount of carbon materials, it was found that although there is no significant change in electrical and thermal conductivities, the highest conductivities could be obtained from MWNT to graphite ratio of 1:1 in PVA matrix, while the G-band mode does not give a rise to electron transfer.