Electrical conductivity of poly (L lactic acid) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) composites filled with galvanostatically produced copper powder

Abstract

This manuscript presents experimental studies of composite materials based on poly (L lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrices filled with electrolytic copper powder, having a very high dendritic structure. Volume fractions of the copper powder used as filler in all prepared composites were varied in the range 0.5-6.0 vol.%. Samples were prepared by hot moulding injection at 170 °C. Influence of particle size and morphology, as well as the influence of matrix type on conductivity and percolation threshold of the obtained composites were examined. Characterization included: electrical conductivity measurements using AC impedance spectroscopy (IS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Presence of three-dimensional conductive pathways was confirmed. The obtained percolation thresholds of 2.83 vol.% for PLLA and 3.13 vol.% for PHB composites were measured, which is about three times lower than the ones stated in the literature for similar composites. This property is ascribed to different morphologies of the filler used in the present investigation.