Submicron copper‐low‐density polyethylene conducting composites: Structural, electrical, and percolation threshold

Abstract

Copper-embedded low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were fabricated using different copper concentrations in the polymer matrix. The copper particles were spherical with a mean particle size between 200 and 300 nm. All the samples were compacted under pressure and melted. The LDPE matrix was analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and it did not evidence degradation of the LDPE matrix. The microstructure of the composites was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity was measured as a function of the copper content, and the composite fabricated with a 10 vol % copper presented a conductivity 15 orders of magnitude higher than that of pure LDPE. The enhancement in conductivity can be explained by means of segregated percolation path theory and the experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical law.

Structural and electrical properties of gold nanowires/P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposites

“…This observed conductivity limitation is in a good agreement with the values reported for spherical metal nanofillers in homogeneous nanocomposites [27,30].…”

Low filled conductive P(VDF-TrFE) composites: Influence of silver particles aspect ratio on percolation threshold from spheres to nanowires

“…These results contrast with the value obtained for spherical silver nanoparticles for the same matrix. The values of percolation threshold and conductivity of spherical silver filled polymer correspond to literature [22][23][24]. Therefore, the very low percolation threshold reached in P(VDF-TrFE) is only due to the high aspect ratio of nanowires as described in Balberg model.…”

“…The level of conductivity is independent from the aspect ratio and was coherent with literature. For metal particles, Alvarez [22] obtains maximum value of about 10 2 S.m −1 beyond 15 vol% of micronic copper particles in low-density polyethylene. Forster [23] gets the same value with gold nanoparticles.…”

Toward Tailor‐Made Biocide Materials Based on Poly(propylene)/Copper Nanoparticles

“…This threshold is lower than that reported for the electrical conductivity in similar systems (around 10 v/v %) as a continuous of copper particles is not required for bactericide effects. [28,29] A possible mechanism to understand this threshold is given below.…”