Definition of “b” exponent and development of power-law model for electrical conductivity of polymer carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Abstract

In this article, the conventional power-law model for electrical conductivity of polymer carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) is linked with a developed model. The main goal is to define the “b” exponent and develop the power-law model for conductivity of PCNT. The interphase region surrounding nanoparticles and the CNT waviness, which affect the percolation threshold, the fraction of networked CNT and the effective volume fraction of CNT are taken into account. The developed model expresses that CNT concentration, CNT length and interphase thickness positively handle the conductivity of PCNT, while thick and waved CNT cause the adverse effect. Moreover, the calculations of the developed model accurately follow the experimental results of conductivity and “b” raises as CNT concentration increases.