The influence of the dispersion method on the electrical properties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber/epoxy composites

The influence of the dispersion of vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNF) on the electrical properties of VGCNF/ Epoxy composites has been studied. A homogenous dispersion of the VGCNF does not imply better electrical properties. In fact, it is demonstrated that the most simple of the tested dispersion methods results in higher conductivity, since the presence of well-distributed nanofiber clusters appears to be a key factor for increasing composite conductivity.

Foundation for Science and Technology, Lisbon, through the 3° Quadro Comunitário de Apoio, the POCTI and FEDER programs, projects PTDC/CTM/ 69316/2006, PTDC-EME-PME-108859-2008 and NANO/NMed-SD/0156/2007, and grants SFRH/BD/60623/2009 (JS) and SFRH/BD/41191/2007 (PC). Joint Luso-American Foundation (FLAD)-NSF U.S. Research Networks Program research grant (FH and DK). We also thank Albermarle for the hardener, Hexion Specialty Chemicals for the epoxy resin, and Applied Sciences for providing their facilities.