CNT/Epoxy-Masterbatch Based Nanocomposites: Thermal and Electrical Properties

In this work, three masterbatches of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were utilized to manufacture electrically and thermally conductive epoxy nanocomposites at three weight percentages using a scalable, economic processing route. Two masterbatches contained multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) of similar aspect ratios while the third contained single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a higher aspect ratio. Each masterbatch was produced industrially using a different processing technique. It was seen that the functional properties of the produced nanocomposites were directly tied to the particle dispersion and the masterbatch production route. For samples produced with better masterbatch production technology (SWCNTs), the dispersion degree was better compared to samples produced using less effective production techniques (MWCNTs). Electrical and thermal conductivity for SWCNT nanocomposites reached as high as 0.5 S/cm and 0.48 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 2.0% wt. respectively, whereas MWCNT samples showed values between 1.37×10⁻⁵ – 1.5×10⁻⁷ S/cm and 0.22 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹ for electrical and thermal conductivity at the same weight percentage. SWCNT samples outperformed MWCNT samples by 4–6 orders of magnitude in terms of electrical conductivity and 4 times for thermal conductivity.