Positive Temperature Coefficient and Electrical Conductivity Investigation of Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on High-Density Polyethylene/Graphene Nanoplatelets/Carbon Black

Hybrid nanocomposites of high-density polyethylene have been prepared via the melt-mixing method in the presence of different amounts of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and conductive carbon black (CB). The electrical conductivity, positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and the correlation between crystallinity and electrical conductivity of hybrid nanocomposites are investigated to study the effect of crystallinity on electrical conductivity. The samples are characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical resistivity. SEM micrographs reveal good distribution of CB and GNPs in nanocomposites. According to DSC and XRD results, the crystallinity of samples decreases by the addition of CB and GNP. The electrical conductivity of all the samples increases, whereas in the sample 16% of CB and 1% of GNP electrical conductivity decrease due to GNP acting as a heterogeneous nucleating agent and the numerous incomplete and small crystals formation. The highest electrical conductivity (1.46x10(-4) S cm(-1)) is obtained in the sample high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/CB18/GNP1, which shows high increment in the PTC curve in the range of 105-120 degrees C. Also, repeatability and reversibility of PTC in this sample show good potential for use in different applications such as thermistors, temperature sensors, and self-regulating heaters.

Automated summary

Hybrid nanocomposites of high-density polyethylene were prepared using the melt-mixing method with different amounts of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and conductive carbon black (CB). The effect of crystallinity on electrical conductivity was studied, showing an increase in electrical conductivity with the addition of CB and GNP. The highest electrical conductivity was achieved in the sample containing 18% CB and 1% GNP.