A series of composites with various content of multi-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in polymer was tested for electrical properties. During isothermal annealing in the melt, dynamic percolation transition induced a tremendous increase in conductivity. The unstable structure also experienced a more than one order of magnitude reduction in percolation threshold. The insulator to conductor transition concurrently became softer, as revealed by a monotonous increase in the critical exponent, gradually departing from the universal value. These large and concomitant changes in percolation transition with annealing time were ascribed to the self-organization of the filler that favors the completion of the conductive network.

The aggregation mechanisms of carbon nanotubes in silicone oil have been explored in depth by means of dielectric measurements.