Percolation threshold of carbon nanotubes filled unsaturated polyesters

This paper reports on the development of electrically conductive nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes in an unsaturated polyester matrix. The resistivity of the liquid suspension during processing is used to evaluate the quality of the filler dispersion, which is also studied usin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites science and technology 2010-04, Vol.70 (4), p.633-637
Main Authors: Battisti, A., Skordos, A.A., Partridge, I.K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Carbon nanotubes
A. Nano composites
A. Polymers
A. Unsaturated polyester resin
Applied sciences
B. Electrical properties
Carbon nanotubes
Composites
Electrically conductive
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Nanocomposites
Percolation
Polyester resins
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Resistivity
Technology of polymers
Thresholds
Unsaturated
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Summary:This paper reports on the development of electrically conductive nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes in an unsaturated polyester matrix. The resistivity of the liquid suspension during processing is used to evaluate the quality of the filler dispersion, which is also studied using optical microscopy. The electrical properties of the cured composites are analysed by AC impedance spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements. The conductivity of the cured nanocomposite follows a statistical percolation model, with percolation threshold at 0.026 wt.% loading of nanotubes. The results obtained show that unsaturated polyesters are a matrix suitable for the preparation of electrically conductive thermosetting nanocomposites at low nanotube concentrations. The effect of carbon nanotubes reaggregation on the electrical properties of the spatial structure generated is discussed.
ISSN:0266-3538
1879-1050
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2009.12.017