Influence of Surface Chemical Groups and Content of Carbon Nanotubes on Electrical Property of Epoxy Resin Composites

In this study, electrical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced epoxy resin composites were investigated, with respect to the method of dispersion, surfactants, content and chemical groups of CNTs. Experimental results show that chemical functionalization and surfactants improved the dispersion of CNTs in epoxy resin. Electrical conductivity of epoxy increased by two orders of magnitude with 0.5 wt% MWCNTs, while seven orders of magnitude with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs-NH2. The results also indicated that an effective electron transport channels formed in the composites with 0.5 wt% CNTs approximately.