Analysis of MWCNT/epoxy composites at microwave frequency: Reproducibility investigation

Abstract

A wide-band microwave characterization of nanocomposites based on commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and epoxy resin is presented. The sample preparation method is discussed in detail. Field emission scanning electron microscopy is used for morphological sample analysis of nanocomposites and MWCNTs. The complex permittivity is measured in a wide frequency band (3 to 18 GHz) using a commercial dielectric probe (Agilent 85070D) and a network analyzer (E8361A). A statistical analysis based on one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique is performed. The aim of this statistical analysis is to investigate the influence of concentration of nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix on the complex permittivity. This can be significantly different in nanocomposites even if the samples have similar electrical properties. © 2014 Giorcelli et al.