Electrical Conductivity and Percolation Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

With good processability, strong corrosion resistance, comparatively low weight and low cost, polymer-based nanocomposites containing conductive fillers have aroused great interest in a wide range of potential applications. In this chapter, the electrical conductivity and percolation behavior of polymer nanocomposites are illustrated. A short review is given on the basis of percolation theory, and we give special emphasis to the excluded volume theory, which is the most widely used continuum analytical model of percolation. The main factors affecting the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites are analyzed in detail, and it is demonstrated that filler size, sharp, aspect ratio, dispersion state, orientation, and matrix properties have significant influence on the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites. Moreover, we give a brief introduction to lightweight carbon–polymer nanocomposite foams with low percolation threshold and excellent conductivity.