Dielectric spectroscopy and tunability of multi-walled carbon nanotube / epoxy resin composites

Abstract

The dielectric response of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotube / epoxy resin composites, is investigated with respect to filler content concentration, over a wide temperature and frequency range. Specimens, below the percolation threshold, exhibit similar behaviour to that of the neat epoxy. Two relaxation modes are observed in the low temperature region, attributed to the re-arrangement of small parts of the polymer chain (γ-mode) and the reorientation of polar side groups (β-mode) respectively, where in the high temperature region the evolution of the a-mode is present. Direct current (DC) conduction follows the Vogel - Tamann - Fulcher equation as expected. The dielectric response of specimens, above the percolation threshold, follows the "Random Free Energy Barrier Model". DC conductivity exhibits Arrhenius temperature dependence with two distinct regions. The activation energies of both regions were evaluated. The contact resistance between two adjacent carbon nanotubes was also calculated. The effective dielectric constant as well as the capacitance of the specimens, above the percolation threshold, can be modulated by means of an applied DC bias voltage.