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Simulation of tunneling distance and electrical conductivity for polymer carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by interphase thickness and network density
Author(s) -
Zare Yasser,
Rhee Kyong Y.,
Park SooJin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.25544
Subject(s) - materials science , waviness , interphase , carbon nanotube , nanocomposite , percolation threshold , composite material , conductivity , percolation (cognitive psychology) , quantum tunnelling , polymer nanocomposite , nanoparticle , electrical conductor , electrical resistivity and conductivity , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , genetics , engineering , neuroscience , electrical engineering , biology
Abstract This article develops simple equations for tunneling distance between adjacent nanoparticles ( d ) and electrical conductivity of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT). The developed model considers the significances of CNT dimensions and waviness as well as interphase region surrounding CNT on the conductivity of nanocomposites. Moreover, d is defined by the sizes of CNT, interphase thickness and network density. The roles of all parameters for nanoparticles, interphase, percolation threshold and conductive network in the nanocomposite conductivity and tunneling distance are determined. Among the studied parameters, the fraction of percolated CNT of 0.6 and d = 1 nm provide the highest conductivity of PCNT, while d > 2.5 nm cause an insulated nanocomposite. In addition, the high concentration of thin CNT, a thick interphase, poor waviness, low percolation threshold, and the small fraction of percolated CNT produce an optimized level for d .