Optimization of compression moulding parameters of multiwall carbon nanotube/synthetic graphite/epoxy nanocomposites with respect to electrical conductivity

Abstract

This study aims to optimize the electrical conductivity of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/synthetic graphite (SG)/epoxy nanocomposites through varying the compression moulding parameters. SG and MWCNTs were used as primary and secondary fillers, respectively. The moulding temperature, moulding pressure, and moulding time were the factors controlled in this research, using the orthogonal array (OA)-Taguchi method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were used to analyse the results. The optimum nanocomposite electrical conductivity obtained was 163 S/cm, exceeding the electrical conductivity required by the Department of Energy of the United States for bipolar plate applications.