Electrical conductivity of polyurethane/MWCNT nanocomposite foams

Polymeric foams with electrical conductivity represent a novel and very interesting class of materials rather sporadically studied. In this study, the feasibility to prepare electrically conductive Rigid Polyurethane (PUR) foams at various densities using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at varying contents was investigated. The produced PUR/MWCNT foams exhibited electrical conductivity over a wide range of densities and nanofiller contents. The effect of these two parameters on the electrical conductivity of the final foam system was studied. To explain the behavior, Statistical Percolation laws were employed. Model parameters were elaborated for both cases showing that the percolation model can adequately describe the behavior. The foaming process is analyzed in further detail to assist in the explanation and understanding of theexperimental observations. Finally, a material design map is proposed for the preparation of electrically conductive foams. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers