Effects of a deficient interface, tunneling size and interphase depth on the percolation inception, percentage of graphene in the nets and conductivity of nanocomposites

Abstract

In graphene systems, an issue of incomplete interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and particles is examined. Two key parameters are introduced: “Dc”, representing the minimum diameter of nanosheets necessary for effective electrical conductivity transfer from the super-conductive filler to the matrix, and “ψ”, denoting the interfacial conduction. Subsequently, the onset of percolation and the volumetric proportion of nanosheets within the networks are determined based on the effective opposite aspect ratio, effective filler share, depth of the interphase, and tunneling dimension. An equation is then proposed to calculate the conductivity of the samples. This study discusses the impacts of various factors, including the proportion of graphene in the networks, percolation inception, and conductivity. Additionally, experimental data are compared with the predictions of the proposed equations. The findings reveal that lower “Dc” values, higher “ψ”, thicker interphase, and lower graphene conductivity positively influence the percolation threshold, network proportions, and overall conductivity.