Simulation of tunneling distance and electrical conductivity for polymer carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by interphase thickness and network density

Abstract

This article develops simple equations for tunneling distance between adjacent nanoparticles (d) and electrical conductivity of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT). The developed model considers the significances of CNT dimensions and waviness as well as interphase region surrounding CNT on the conductivity of nanocomposites. Moreover, d is defined by the sizes of CNT, interphase thickness and network density. The roles of all parameters for nanoparticles, interphase, percolation threshold and conductive network in the nanocomposite conductivity and tunneling distance are determined. Among the studied parameters, the fraction of percolated CNT of 0.6 and d = 1 nm provide the highest conductivity of PCNT, while d > 2.5 nm cause an insulated nanocomposite. In addition, the high concentration of thin CNT, a thick interphase, poor waviness, low percolation threshold, and the small fraction of percolated CNT produce an optimized level for d.

A multiscale modeling framework for predicting strain‐dependent electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube‐incorporated nanocomposites considering the electron tunneling effect

“…16 Several theoretical approaches have been proposed for their ability to predict the strain-dependent electrical conductivity of nanocomposites incorporating CNTs. 15,[21][22][23][24][25][26] Haghgoo et al 22 developed a micromechanical model that considers the electron tunneling effect between neighboring CNTs as the essential feature of strain-dependent electrical conductivity. Their model demonstrated nonlinear straindependent electrical conductivity from changes in the electron tunneling resistance between CNTs.…”

An innovative model for conductivity of graphene-based system by networked nano-sheets, interphase and tunneling zone

“…However, it warrants further study. In addition, electron tunneling primarily manages the electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposite, since the electrons can be transported among adjoining nanoparticles through the tunneling effect 49 – 52 . Consequently, the nanoparticles can cause conductivity even when they are separated by a small distance.…”