Conductivity Characterization of Thermoplastic/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films

Abstract

Carbon nanotube(CNT)-filled polymer composite films have a number of applications due to the multifunctionalities of CNTs, including exceptional mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. We report our study on conductive poly(methyl methacrylate)/CNT composite films. The films were fabricated by melt processing of dry-mixed PMMA/CNT powder. The electrical conductivities of the films were measured at varying combinations of CNT concentration and loading condition, including uniaxial stretching and bending. The dependence of electrical conductivity on the loading conditions indicates that the in-plane deformation of the films has significant influence on the conductive path network formed by CNTs. The measured results provide insights to potential applications of CNT-based films, such as, strain sensing, electronic circuits, and aerospace electrostatic charge mitigation.