Electrical conductivity of 3D periodic architectured interpenetrating phase composites with carbon nanostructured-epoxy reinforcements

In this paper, the effective electrical conductivity of novel interpenetrating phase composites that are based on the mathematically known triply periodic minimal surfaces is studied. The effective electrical conductivity of these composites is investigated experimentally and numerically [using finite element analysis (FEA)]. The three-dimensional reinforcing phase is fabricated using epoxy and carbon nanostructures while the matrix is manufactured using the 3D printing technology. The experimental and finite element results are in an agreement, and both show the robustness and novelty of these interpenetrating phase composites. Moreover, the effect of the imperfect interface between the phases of these interpenetrating phase composites on their effective electrical conductivity is investigated.