Thermal and electrical properties of the epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with purified carbon nanotubes

Abstract The effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) purification treatment on the thermal and electrical properties of epoxy nanocomposites was investigated. The results indicated that purification treatment can significantly affect nanocomposite performance including thermal and electrical properties. Highly-purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have the potential to significantly improve the thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites, but are unfavorable for electrical properties due to their inability to form an effective percolating network. The thermal conductivity can be improved up to four times higher than the polymer matrix, demonstrating the significance of CNT purification treatment in improving nanocomposite performance. The electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites is more sensitive to purification treatment than their thermal conductivity.