Core-shell functionalized MWCNT/poly(m-aminophenol) nanocomposite with large dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss

Abstract

Core-shell carboxyl-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (c-MWCNT)/poly(m-aminophenol) (PmAP) nanocomposite were prepared through in-situ polymerization of m-aminophenol (m-AP) in the presence of MWCNTs, and explicated as a dielectric material for electronic applications. The formation of thin PmAP layer on individual c-MWCNT with excellent molecular level interactions at interfaces was confirmed by morphological and spectroscopic analyses. Here we conducted a comparative study of the dielectric performances of PmAP based nanocomposite films with pristine MWCNTs and c-MWCNTs as fillers. Compared to PmAP/MWCNT nanocomposites, the PmAP/c-MWCNT nanocomposites exhibited higher dielectric permittivity and lower dielectric loss. The well dispersed c-MWCNTs in PmAP/c-MWCNT nanocomposite produce huge interfacial area together with numerous active polarized centers (crystallographic defects), which in turn intensified the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) effect based on excellent molecular level interactions and thus, produce large dielectric permittivity (8810 at 1 kHz). The percolation threshold of PmAP/c-MWCNT nanocomposites is found lower than that of the PmAP/MWCNT nanocomposites, which could be attributed to homogeneous distribution of c-MWCNTs and strong c-MWCNT//PmAP interfacial interactions in the nanocomposites.

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

“…Moreover, we compared the calculations of electrical conductivity to the experimental measurements in some samples to demonstrate the predictability of the developed model. (11). Figure 3a exhibits the effects of the l and z parameters on the conductivity at average = 0.01, R = 10 nm, t = 10 nm, and u = 1.3.…”

“…Polymer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites (PCNT) are very attractive from research and application points of view, because they can elucidate important properties when the concentration of nanoparticles reaches the percolation threshold, which is the minimum CNT content that produces the conductive networks in nanocomposites [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Long and thin CNTs normally introduce a low percolation threshold, producing a conductive nanocomposite by incorporation of very low CNT content [16].…”

“…The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites at different ranges of (a) the l and z, (b) u and t, and (c) ϕ f and R parameters based on Equation(11).…”

Tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites by effective volume fraction of nanoparticles as a function of CNT properties in the network

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an ideal reinforcement for polymers due to their high aspect ratio and exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. [1][2][3][4][5] The polymer/CNT nanocomposites show many benefits over conventional composites such as good electrical conductivity at very low filler fraction, high thermal and mechanical performances with light weight and low cost as well as little viscosity for easy processing. The improved electrical properties of polymer/CNT nanocomposites motivate the utilization of these materials in various areas such as electronics, sensors, biomedical devices, aerospace and automotive.…”

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an ideal reinforcement for polymers due to their high aspect ratio and exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties . The polymer/CNT nanocomposites show many benefits over conventional composites such as good electrical conductivity at very low filler fraction, high thermal and mechanical performances with light weight and low cost as well as little viscosity for easy processing.…”