Evaluation and identification of electrical and thermal conduction mechanisms in carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

Nanostructured modification of polymers has opened up new perspectives for multi-functional materials. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the potential to realise electrically conductive polymers with improved or retaining mechanical performance. This study focuses oil the evaluation of both, the electrical and thermal conductivity of nanoparticulate filled epoxy resins. We discuss the results with regard to the influence of the type of carbon nanotube (SWCNT, DWCNT and MWCNT), the relevance of surface-functionalisation (amino-functionalisation), the influence of filler content (wt% and vol%), the varying dispersibility. the aspect ratio and the specific surface area. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.