Size Effect of Particulate Filler on Electrical Resistivity of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites: Transition of Excluded Volume Effects
Hybrid Carbon nanotube (CNT) composites consisting more than two different kind fillers have received considerable attention which could improve electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. Incorporation of micro-scale second filler, excluded volume is created that effectively creates a segregated network of nanotube. Even if there were successful trials with theoretical model in second filler composite system, it was not fully understood how the electrical conductivity increase with respect to shape (or size) of second filler. Aim of the present research is an understanding of size effect of particulate filler on electrical resistivity of carbon nanotube polymer composites. Depending on size of particulate filler, conductivity of carbon nanotube polymer composites are changed (increase or decrease) indicating there is transition of excluded volume effects. For example, enhanced conductivity was observed in cooperation with micro-size second filler while decreased conductivity was observed for nano-size filler.