Graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes based polyethylene composites: Electrical conductivity and morphology

• Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) and GNPs/MWCNT LDPE composites.
• Low potential SEM conductivity maps.
• Conducting paths between 1D and 2D C-structures (synergistic effect) are obtained.
• Composites based on hybrid 1D/2D combinations show lower percolation thresholds.

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) and/or multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites have been obtained either via melt-mixing or solvent assisted methods.Electrical properties of samples obtained through the above mentioned methods are compared and the conductance values as function of filler fraction are discussed. The corresponding percolation thresholds are evaluated. Conductivity maps images are acquired under low-potentials scanning electron microscopy (0.3 KV) and the relationship between the obtained conductivity images and electric properties is highlighted. The synergistic role of CNTs (1D) and GNPs (2D) in improving the conductive properties of the polymer composites has been shown.