A developed equation for electrical conductivity of polymer carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites based on Halpin-Tsai model

Abstract

This paper expresses a simple equation for conductivity of polymer carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) based on Halpin-Tsai model supposing the volume fraction of networked CNT, CNT conductivity, CNT size and tunneling dimensions between adjacent CNT. The experimental results of several samples and the effects of all parameters on the conductivity examine the predictions of developed model. Long CNT, thick interphase, thin CNT, high percentage of networked CNT, short tunneling distance, poor waviness and large tunneling diameter advantageously improve the conductivity. The suitable agreements between experimental data and calculations as well as the sensible roles of all parameters in the conductivity justify the developed model. The developed model can provide the optimized levels of parameters introducing the most desirable conductivity.