The influence of matrix mediated hopping conductivity, filler concentration, aspect ratio and orientation on the electrical response of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites

A model to simulate the conductivity of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites is presented. The proposed model is based on hopping between the fillers. A parameter related to the influence of the matrix in the overall composite conductivity is defined. It is demonstrated that increasing the aspect ratio of the fillers will increase the conductivity. Finally, it is demonstrated that the alignment of the filler rods parallel to the measurement direction results in higher conductivity values, in agreement with results from recent experimental work.

Foundation for Science and Technology, the POCTI and FEDER programs, the PTDC/CTM/69316/2006 Grant and the NANO/ NMed-SD/0156/2007 Project. J.S. thank the support of the FCT (Grant SFRH/BD/60623/2009). We also thank to André Pinto for the help in the simulations. This work is also sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Air Force Material Command, USAF, under Grant Number FA8655-06-1-3009.