Advancement of a model for electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes by a known model for thermal conductivity

The models for thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNT) (PCNT) can express the electrical conductivity, because both electrical and thermal conductivities consistently depend on the CNT properties. In this study, a known model for thermal conductivity of PCNT is simplified and developed for electrical conductivity assuming CNT aspect ratio, network fraction, interphase districts, tunneling area between near CNT and CNT wettability by polymer medium. Simple equations express the volume fraction of networked CNT by CNT loading, CNT size and interphase depth. In addition, applicable equations suggest the total conduction of CNT and tunnels. The satisfactory matching among measured records and forecasts in addition to the rational effects of whole factors on the conductivity confirm the advanced model. Lengthy CNT and dense interphase usefully manipulate the conductivity, but short CNT or thin interphase cannot increase the conductivity of insulated medium. Additionally, only the high level of polymer tunneling resistivity prevents the conducting efficiency of CNT in PCNT. Also, wide tunnels and short tunneling distance highly progress the conductivity, but very small tunneling width causes an insulated specimen.