Transparent conductive polymer composites obtained via electrostatically assembled carbon nanotubes–poly (methyl methacrylate) composite particles

Abstract

Interest in the controlled formation of advanced carbon-based composite materials with good transparency for lightweight and portable device applications has been increasing. This study reports on the feasible formation of carbon nanotubes (CNT)-incorporated poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite pellets, which exhibited good electrical conductivities with high optical transparency. Despite using a low amount of CNT incorporation (0.0068∼0.068 vol%), conductive channels were generated through the homogeneous decoration of CNT onto PMMA particles obtained via an electrostatic assembly method. The conductive channels formed at pressed interface of CNT–PMMA pellets were confirmed using a scanning probe microscope with contact current imaging. The findings of this study present a promising prospect for carbon-based composite materials fabrication via powder metallurgy inspired method that can be used for manufacturing of lightweight, transparent and conductive polymers.