Resin + 3 wt.-% of type 8.ppt

Resin + 3 wt.-% of type 8 Resin + 1 wt.-% of type 3 Resin + 3 wt.-% of type 9 Conclusions A detailed electrical characterization, made making use of sophisticated Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and a careful realization of a measurement setup, allowed to collect confident estimates for the resistances for each of the samples above described. Several conduction behaviors have been found: from highly conductive NCs, which showed linear Ohmic curve (i.e. samples 3 and 8), to non-linear diode-like trend up till completely insulating one (R 109 W). We have applied physical models such as the percolation theory and the fluctuation-mediated tunneling theory. Parameters extracted from the model fitting allowed us to conclude that the lowest percolation threshold may be found for our resin. Nevertheless a new conductivity model is needed, which has to take into account for CNTs dimensions and spatial distribution inside the polymer matrix. Some of the results here reported have been already published in: A. Chiolerio et al (2011) Electrical properties of CNT-based Polymeric Matrix NanoComposites. In: Yellampalli Siva (ed). Carbon Nanotubes-Polymer Nanocomposites, p. 215-230. Introduction The effective utilization of Carbon Based Materials (CBMs) in composite applications depends strongly on their ability to be dispersed individually and homogeneously within a matrix. To maximize the advantage of CBMs as effective reinforcement for high strength polymer composites, they should not form aggregates and must be well dispersed to enhance the interfacial interaction within the matrix. Our protocol for solution processing method includes the dispersion of CBMs in a liquid medium by vigorous stirring and sonication, mixing the CBMs dispersion solvents in a polymer solution and controlled evaporation of the solvent. Electrical conductivity phenomena in an epoxy resin-carbon-based materials composite M. Castellino*, A. Chiolerio**, M. Rovere*, M.I. Shahzad*, P. Jagda