Electrically Conductive Polymer Composites Based on Elastomers Modified by Carbon Nanotubes with Metallised Surface

Abstract

The paper presents a study of electrically conductive polymer composite filled on the basis of multilayer carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a metallised surface. To obtain metallised MWCNTs were synthesised using microwave synthesis technology. In order to investigate morphology of the composite and MWCNTs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used. Using SEM, it was found that the synthesised MWCNTs coated with Fe nanoparticles were extended filamentous formations with a length of more than 20 μm and a diameter of ~40–80 nm. Inside the composite, the MWCNTs are enveloped by the polymer, which indicates a good interaction of the MWCNT surface with the polymer matrix. It was found that the maximum value of thermal conductivity (λ) was 0,31 W/(m∙°C) and electrical conductivity (σ) 0,1 cm. The temperature self-regulation mode (time to reach the operating mode is 250 s) was established when an electric current was flowing through the composite with inrush current (0,59) and operating current 0,26 A at 12 V operating voltage. The scope of application of the developed conductive composite includes electric heating technologies, where elastic materials are required - resistant to temperature effects in a wide range of temperatures, which can be realised with the use of polymer matrix based on organosilicon compound.