Electrical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes-Based Epoxy Nanocomposites for High Electrical Conductive Plate

Abstract

Electrical properties of carbon nanotubes-based epoxy nanocomposites for high electrical conductive plate were investigated. Dispersion and incorporation mechanism between two conductive fillers with different sizes (CNTs and Graphite) in the polymer matrix are the key factors in the fabrication of high electrical conductivity plate. Different variation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (1~10 wt %) and Graphite (G) (60 ~ 69 wt %) loading concentration were added into the epoxy resin. Dispersion of CNTs and G in epoxy resin were conducted by the internal mixer with a Haake torque rheometer. The mixture of G/CNTs/EP was poured into the steel mold, and G/CNTs/EP nanocomposites had been fabricated through compression molding. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites in terms of variation of G and CNTs concentration were measured by the four point probe for in a plane electrical conductivity. The results revealed that addition of G/CNTs and increasing curing temperature are effective ways to produce high electrical conductive nanocomposites. The highest electrical conductivity was reached on 104.7 S/cm by addition 7.5 wt% of CNTs. Dispersion quality of G and CNTs in the epoxy matrix was observed on the fractured surface by scanning electron microscopic.