The Effect Of Fluorosilicone Modifiers On The Carbon Nanotube Networks In Epoxy Matrix

Structure and properties of polymer compositions based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled epoxy matrix containing fluorosilicone copolymers as additives is discussed. Electrical conductivity and dielectric (microwave) permittivity of the composites can be varied by approximately one order of magnitude without changing the CNT concentration, by careful selection of the additive type and concentration. The mutual solubility of the modifiers and epoxy is a key factor determining both rheological properties of the uncured compositions and electrical properties of cured CNT-nanocomposites. CNT-nanocomposites modified with amino-functional (i.e., epoxy crosslinkable) copolymers demonstrate improved electrical conductivity values at increased additive concentration, connected with the formation of specific segregated microstructure. Fluorosilicone additives added in a specific amount also allow for a decrease of the viscosity of uncured epoxy CNT-nanocomposites, improving their processability. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46539.