Percolative silver nanoplates/PVDF nanocomposites: Bulk and surface electrical conduction

Electrically conductive polymer composites have been elaborated by dispersing silver microplates into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. Silver microplates have been successfully synthesized. Their mean lateral length is about 1.15 mu m, presenting a moderate aspect ratio (12-25). Synthesis is easily controlled and can produce 1-500 mg depending on the volume and the concentration of the solutions used. Electrical bulk and surface conductivity of the composites containing different filler fractions (4-20 vol.%) have been determined for each sample. Electrical percolation has been observed for each situation and was determined at 5.9 vol.% for bulk conductivity (through the thickness), while the value is shifted to 6.9 vol.% when surface conductivity is considered. The gap between the two values of percolation threshold is attributed to the orientation of fillers. Bulk conductivity and surface resistivity reaches 12.9 S m(-1) and 0.123 Omega/square respectively at filler fraction of 15 vol.%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.