Simulation of Percolation Threshold, Tunneling Distance, and Conductivity for Carbon Nanotube (CNT)-Reinforced Nanocomposites Assuming Effective CNT Concentration

Abstract

This article suggests simple and new equations for the percolation threshold of nanoparticles, the tunneling distance between nanoparticles, and the tunneling conductivity of polymer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites (PCNT), assuming an effective filler concentration. The developed equations correlate the conductivity, tunneling distance, and percolation threshold to CNT waviness, interphase thickness, CNT dimensions, and CNT concentration. The developed model for conductivity is applied for some samples and the predictions are evaluated by experimental measurements. In addition, the impacts of various parameters on the mentioned terms are discussed to confirm the developed equations. Comparisons between the calculations and the experimental results demonstrate the validity of the developed model for tunneling conductivity. High levels of CNT concentration, CNT length, and interphase thickness, as well as the straightness and thinness of CNTs increase the nanocomposite conductivity. The developed formulations can substitute for the conventional equations for determining the conductivity and percolation threshold in CNT-reinforced nanocomposites.

Fabrication and characterization of polyaniline functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNSs)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite films

“…Thanks to the tunneling effect, the charge carriers help to carry the electron from one conductive filler to another. 58 In our case, one of the key mechanisms for electrical conductivity is the transport of charge between the graphene plates by the tunneling effect. In this case, the distance between graphene plates is important.…”

“…In this case, the distance between graphene plates is important. 58,59,63 and should be investigated more in future studies. Figure 6(a) shows the effect of graphene concentration on electrical conductivity depending on the frequency.…”

Emerging Trends in Nanocarbon‐Based Cardiovascular Applications

“…[14,74] The electron tunneling accelerates the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube fiber to the degree that is close to that of the single carbon nanotube. [75,76] These tunneling structures allow for cell-cell communication by enabling intercellular exchanges of the compounds between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells. [77,78] The concentration and morphology of CNTs are directly associated with the tunneling conductivity of the nanocomposite and subsequently contributed to the improvement of the cardiac regenerative properties of CNTs.…”

Near-Infrared Laser Direct Writing of Conductive Patterns on the Surface of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Nanocomposites

“…A weight percentage higher than the percolation threshold can be used to obtain electrically conductive materials. [29][30][31] For example, Seo et al 32,33 stated that once the percolation threshold is exceeded ("between 1 and 2 wt%") the volume resistivity drops from 10 9 Ω.cm to reach a value of 10 3 Ω.cm.…”

“…Many methods to produce such nanocomposite materials can be listed. Among them, melt blending , offers a simple way of dispersing nanoparticles in a polymer matrix and it is now widely used in industries to manufacture polymer parts. − A weight percentage higher than the percolation threshold can be used to obtain electrically conductive materials. − For example, Seo et al , stated that once the percolation threshold is exceeded (between 1 and 2 wt %), the volume resistivity drops from 10 9 Ω cm to reach a value of 10 3 Ω cm.…”