This paper investigates the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy resins and epoxy composites. The research concerns multiwalled carbon nanotubes obtained by catalytic chemical vapor deposition, subjected to purification processes and covalent functionalization by depositing functional groups on their surfaces. The study included the analysis of the change in DC resistivity, tensile strength, strain, and Young’s modulus with the addition of carbon nanotubes in the range of 0 to 2.5 wt.%. The effect of agents intended to increase the affinity of the nanomaterial to the polymer on the aforementioned properties was also investigated. The addition of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes allowed us to obtain electrically conductive materials. For all materials, the percolation threshold was obtained with 1% addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and filling the polymer with a higher content of carbon nanotubes increased its conductivity. The use of carbon nanotubes as polymer reinforcement allows higher values of tensile strength and a higher strain percentage to be achieved. In contrast, Young’s modulus values did not increase significantly, and higher nanofiller percentages resulted in a drastic decrease in the values of the abovementioned properties.

Long term monitoring of patients health condition is a useful diagnostic method however it still remains challenging to apply. Prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring and early diagnosis of arrhythmias enables the introduction of appropriate treatment prolonging life expectancy. Nevertheless the market demand is focused on wearable solutions which do not require to stick electrodes to skin. In this research we developed samples of material and evaluated them for suitability in electrophysiological measurements. Favorable conductive properties were achieved by polymer composite containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes and Ag nanoparticles. ECG signals were recorded in limb leads configuration using M-TRACE Electrocardiograph device. As a reference standard metal electrodes were used. The examination was conducted in two variants: with and without conductive gel. The signals were then compared and approved by a professional physician as fully diagnostable. Finally, the research revealed that, when comparing to reference electrodes, the signals recorded with designed electrodes in dry conditions featured 27% higher amplitude and 60% higher baseline noise whilst in wet conditions (when using conductivegel): 23% and 55% respectively. Finally the results showed that designed material features antimicrobial properties (against S. aureus, E. coli).

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