DMA and Conductivity Studies in PVA:NH4SCN:DMSO:MWNT Nanocomposite Polymer Dried Gel Electrolytes

This paper deals with findings on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and ion-conduction behavior of MWNTs (multiwall carbon nanotubes) doped PVA:NH4SCN:DMSO dried gel electrolyte system prepared for four filler concentrations (2, 4, 6 & 8 wt%) by solution cast technique. XRD measurements reveal enhancement in amorphous behavior of composite gel electrolyte upon incorporation of filler particles. Better mechanical stability is noticed in the composite system upon dispersal of MWNT along with presence of dynamic T-g during DMA measurements. Enhancement in ionic conductivity has been noticed with an optimum value of 4.5 x 10(-3) Scm(-1) for 6 wt% MWNTs filled composite electrolyte. Composite system exhibits combination of Arrhenius and Vogel-Tammam-Fulcher (VTF) behavior in temperature dependent conductivity study. The a.c. conductivity response seems to follow universal power law.