Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube–polyethylene oxide composites

We have investigated the structural, electrical and mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)–polyethylene oxide (PEO) composites. Composites with different wt% (between 0 and 50 wt% of MWNTs) were prepared and characterized by the scanning electron microscopic technique. Enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were observed for the MWNT–PEO composites. The conductivity measurements on the MWNT–PEO composite films with highest concentration of MWNTs (∼50 wt%) showed an increase of eight orders (∼7.5 × 10⁻⁸ to 6.52 S cm⁻¹) of magnitude in conductivity from bare PEO film. The temperature dependence of the conductivity for MWNT (∼50 wt%)–PEO composite showed predominantly semiconducting behaviour. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of an MWNT (∼50 wt%)–PEO film were increased by about five- and tenfold respectively, as compared to the corresponding values for a PEO film.