Effect of carbon nanoparticle type, content, and stress on piezoresistive polyethylene nanocomposites

Abstract

This study examines the piezoresistive behavior of polyethylene (PE) composites containing different types of carbon nanoparticle fillers. The fillers investigated are single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), which were dispersed in PE through melt blending in concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 10 wt%. The dispersion and nanocomposite morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction with strong evidence found for shear‐induced orientation of GNP nanoparticles during the compression molding process. The conductivity and permittivity of the composite materials was investigated using impedance spectroscopy and the lowest percolation threshold and highest electrical conductivity was observed for SWCNT composites, followed by MWCNT and GNP. The compressive piezoresistance of the nanocomposites was measured and the initial, elastic, and plastic deformation regions were all identifiable by the resistance measurements. The main finding of this study is that the piezoresistance of MWCNT nanocomposites is more sensitive to the effects of varying stress and composition than SWCNT nanocomposites. This indicates an evolving filler network in the case for MWCNT, while a static network for SWCNT, which is explained by the higher aspect ratio and surface area of the latter. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1643–1651, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers