Evidence of percolation related power law behavior in the thermal conductivity of nanotube/polymer composites

A power law relation for the thermal conductivity, indicative of percolation, is reported through measurements on carbon nanotube/polymer composites. Our results contradict earlier assertions and indicate that synthesis methodologies may be adapted to facilitate such behavior. Consistent modeling of the experimentally determined electrical and thermal conductivity anisotropy, in addition to the incorporation of interfacial resistance, was used to understand the underlying mechanisms and variations.