Shift in the percolation threshold of compressed composites—A 3D Monte Carlo simulation

The shift in the percolation threshold of compressed composites was studied by a 3D continuum percolation model. A Monte Carlo (MC) method was employed in the simulations. The percolation threshold was found to rise with the compression strain, which captures the basic trend in compression-induced conductivity variation from the experiments. Both fiber bending and texture formation contribute to the percolation threshold. The results suggest that fillers with a high aspect ratio are more desirable for sensor and electrical switch applications.