Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube-polyethylene oxide composites

We have investigated the structural, electrical and mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-polyethylene oxide (PEO) composites. Composites with different wt% (between 0 and 50 wt% of MWNTs) were prepared and characterized by the scanning electron microscopic technique. Enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were observed for the MWNT-PEO composites. The conductivity measurements on the MWNT-PEO composite films with highest concentration of MWNTs (similar to 50 wt%) showed an increase of eight orders (similar to 7.5 x 10(-8) to 6.52 S cm(-1)) of magnitude in conductivity from bare PEO film. The temperature dependence of the conductivity for MWNT (similar to 50 wt%)-PEO composite showed predominantly semiconducting behaviour. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of an MWNT (similar to 50 wt%)-PEO film were increased by about five-and tenfold respectively, as compared to the corresponding values for a PEO film.