Electrical conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

Polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites with low loading levels of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and vapor grown carbon nanofibers were prepared by a versatile coagulation method. The alternating current electrical conductivity of these composites in the frequency range of 40-12 MHz was investigated. The alternating current conductivity of percolating nanocomposites followed a universal dynamic response. Therefore, both the direct current plateau and frequency dependent regime were observed. The percolation threshold of three composite systems was determined to be 1.0, 0.98, and 1.46 vol.%, respectively. Moreover, the percolative nanocomposites exhibited nonlinear current-voltage responses, demonstrating the presence of tunneling conduction. Copyright © 2011 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.