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Author(s): , , , , , , ,

Keywords: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Abstract: Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) contain high concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to maximize electrical conductivity. However, high nanoparticle concentrations degrade other important properties of CPCs. This study produced CPCs using ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fillers in place of CNTs in an attempt to maintain important physical and mechanical properties. A thermal analyzer measured the thermal conductivity of the CPC samples using the transient plane source (TPS) method. Results showed that the altered CPCs maintained the desired levels of electrical conductivity, but thermal conductivity levels did not meet the theoretical expectations, likely because UHMWPEs have a higher porosity than CNTs.

Reference: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 131, 2 (2014)

DOI: 10.1002/app.39789