Development of Ji Micromechanics Model for Electrical Conductivity of Carbon Nanotubes-reinforced Samples

Abstract

In this paper, Ji model for tensile modulus of nanocomposites is expanded to forecast the conductivity of polymer nanocomposites including carbon nanotubes (CNT) summarized as PCNT. The advanced model undertakes the volume fraction of networked CNT and the inherent resistances of tunneling and interphase sections. CNT loading, CNT size and interphase depth suggest the proportion of networked CNT. In addition, the tunneling confrontation is correlated to tunneling width, tunneling distance and polymer tunneling resistivity. The advanced model is used to express the parameters’ roles in the conductivity. Furthermore, the predictions of advanced model are linked to the experimental results of some examples. The proper impressions of all factors on the conductivity as well as the fine agreements among experimental data and calculations justify the advanced model. The radius and length of CNT mainly handle the conductivity, but CNT conduction is useless. Also, a dense interphase causes desirable conductivity, but the interphase conduction cannot govern the conductivity. Moreover, wide tunnels, deprived polymer tunneling resistivity and minuscule tunneling distance enhance the conductivity.