Improvement in electrical and thermal behavior of polystyrene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Polystyrene (PS)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite has been prepared by solvent evaporation technique [15] and [16]. Tetrahydroforan (THF) has been used as a solvent. Its electrical and thermal properties have been investigated by using LCR meter, 2-probe mechanism and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis Differential Thermal Calorimeter (TGA/DTA) respectively. Increase in dielectric constant and loss is observed with the increase of MWCNTs content in the nanocomposites. Frequency dependent AC conductivity follows the universal power law. Increase in AC conductivity with temperature has been attributed to hopping of π electrons in the MWCNTs. Temperature dependent DC conductivity was found to be a typical of a semi conducting behavior following Mott’s 3-D variable range hoping model. Best fitted Mott’s parameters were determined from the observed data.

► The nanocomposites were prepared by solvent evaporation method. ► Three nanocomposites samples (1, 3 and 10 wt% MCNTs) were prepared so far. ► Dielectric constant and loss varied with increase of MWCNTs. ► Frequency dependent AC conductivity follows the universal power law. ► DC conductivity of nanocomposites was found to be that of a semi conducting behavior.