Abstract
Improved conductive polystyrene (PS)-based nanocomposite filled with ultralow addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated by concentrated emulsion polymerization. First, the foam structure was constructed to compress MWCNTs into a thin polymer skeleton and enhance the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite. Second, a polyelectrolyte poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was introduced onto MWCNTs to reduce the noncontact resistivity within the inter-tube junctions. The effect of porous morphology, the loading phase and content of MWCNTs, and the synergetic effect of MWCNTs and PEDOT:PSS on the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the foam structure of nanocomposite with a specific location of conductive fillers can strongly reduce the percolation threshold. In addition, the conductivities of the nanocomposites could be controlled by the porous structure. As a result, the percolation threshold of 0.3 wt% PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs to PS matrix was achieved, and the highest conductivity was obtained from the foam structure with the thinnest pore wall and the appropriate ratio of PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
