ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology test results suggest the presence of a carbon nanotube (CNT)–matrix interface that lowers the composite conductivity compared to predictions without considering the presence of a CNT–matrix interface. Composite equivalent electrical properties are computed on the basis of simplified micromechanics equations. 2D/3D composite electrical properties’ simulation requires the algorithm development that combines the effective medium and percolation theories. The predictive method compares the conventional and nanocomposite electrical properties with CNT concentrations in the matrix, including a CNT–matrix interface. The model considers the effect of nanomaterial insertion such as CNT random fiber composites. The predictive method compares the conventional and nanocomposite electrical properties with CNT concentrations in the matrix, including a CNT–matrix interface. Simulation results are validated with test data with good agreement. A physically based percolation model was utilized to characterize the effective electrical conductivity of particle-filled composites by means of the combination of effective medium and percolation equations with universal exponents.
