Multi-walled carbon nanotube/Polydimethylsiloxane composite by simple solution mixing method

Abstract

In this study, the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared by using simple solution mixing method. However, the MWCNT have an issue to achieve stable polymer composite because the nanotubes can easily agglomerate and causes bundling when dispersed in polymer. Thus, the MWCNT was dispersed in toluene using mechanical stirring and sonication process. As a result, sonication process shows excellent dispersion of MWCNT with toluene compared to mechanical stirring method. To prepare conductive polymer composite, MWCNT with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% concentrations were used. The dispersion processes of MWCNT in PDMS were characterized using Raman Spectroscopy. The intensity of D-band and G-band, ID/IG band decreases from 1.20 to 1.10 as the MWCNT content (6 wt% to 10 wt%) increases. This indicates less MWCNT defect occurred during dispersion process. Besides, the electrical conductivity of MWCNT/PDMS composite was investigated by using two point probe method. The conductivity of fabricated MWCNT/PDMS composite is in the range of 109 to 106 S/cm and a low percolation threshold is achieved at 4 wt% of MWCNT concentration in PDMS. Extension of this study is needed to improve the electrical conductivity of MWCNT/PDMS composite.