Sub‐micron calcium carbonate isolated carbon nanotubes/polyethylene composites with controllable electrical conductivity

Abstract

AbstractThe dispersion and distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on/in the polymer composites are greatly affected by the molding technology progress, which results in different electrical conductivity. The uncontrollable electrical conductivity has limited the application of conductive polymer composites, for example, sensor components. In this work, to enhance the dispersion stability of CNTs in polyethylene (PE) matrix, sub‐micron calcium carbonate isolated CNTs (smCaCO3@CNTs) were selected based on the fact that smCaCO3 is much easier to disperse in polymer in comparison with CNTs. This good distribution of CNTs in smCaCO3@CNTs/PE was characterized by transmission electron microscope and Raman mapping. The electrical performance test results show that when 0.5 wt% of CNTs filled in smCaCO3@CNTs/PE, the percolation network begins to form; when CNTs filled increases to 1‐2 wt%, the surface resistance of smCaCO3@CNTs/PE ranges from 106 to 109Ω almost not affected by the molding technology process (compression molding or injection molding). The possible reason is that the isolated CNTs by smCaCO3 in polymer matrix are favorable for the formation of the stable conductive network.