Polypropylene Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites: Combined Influence of Block Copolymer Compatibilizer and Melt Annealing on Electrical Properties

Figure 9

Schematic of the CNT dispersion mechanisms inside a polymer matrix: CNT agglomerates closely separated by polymer, capacitance associated with dipolar/molecular fluctuations of free/unfilled polymer areas, and DC/low frequency conduction paths mechanisms: agglomerates connected by isolated CNT, and network of interconnected well dispersed CNT. Corresponding equivalent circuit includes (a) a resistance and a capacitance representing the closely spaced agglomerates and their capacitive coupling through polymer separating them, (b) a capacitance associated with dipolar motion, and (c) a resistance modeling the network of interconnected conductive fillers (agglomerates and/or dispersed CNT).