Thermal and electrical properties of aluminoborosilicate glass–ceramics containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report the effects of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersions (⩽15 wt.%) on the electrical and thermal conductivities of an aluminoborosilicate glass–ceramic. The electrical conductivity was improved by a factor of ∼106 and the thermal conductivity by ∼70%. The uniform MWCNT distribution achieved with up to 10 wt.% MWCNT resulted in a relatively high electrical percolation threshold. Thermal conductivity was limited by the low thermal conductivities of the CVD MWCNTs, length reduction during processing and interfacial resistance.

► Electrical and thermal conductivities of glass–MWCNT composites with good dispersions of up to 15% MWCNT measured. ► Electrical conductivity was improved by a factor of ∼106 and the thermal conductivity by ∼70%. ► Good dispersion gives high percolation threshold. ► Thermal conductivity reduced by defects in MWCNTs, interfacial resistance and length reduction of MWCNTs during processing.