Correlation between dispersion state and electrical conductivity of MWCNTs/PP composites prepared by melt blending

Non-conductive polymers filled with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) often do not show detectable conductivity due to poor dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix and the lack of conductive networks formed from CNTs. In this work, we attempted two ways to improve the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a polypropylene (PP) matrix: chemical modification of MWCNTs and addition of a master batch as a compatibilizer, followed by melt blending using a micro-compounder. The relationship between the dispersion state of MWCNTs and the electrical conductivity of the CNTs/PP composites have been investigated by controlling several factors such as CNTs modification, compatibilization by a master batch, melt mixing, and post-heat treatment. The enhanced interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and the polymer could improve the dispersion of CNTs but it could also reduce the electrical conductivity of the composites. Meanwhile, it is interestingly found that the post-heat treatment could increase the conductivity remarkably due to the connection of CNTs into networks. Thus, it is concluded that the balance between dispersion of CNTs and the formation of conductive networks plays an important role in enhancing the electrical conductivity of composites.