Monte Carlo modelling of percolation and conductivity in carbon filled polymer nanocomposites

Vas, Joseph Vimal and Thomas, M Joy (2018) Monte Carlo modelling of percolation and conductivity in carbon filled polymer nanocomposites. In: IET SCIENCE MEASUREMENT & TECHNOLOGY, 12 (1). pp. 98-105.

PDF IET_Sci_Mea_12-1_98_2018.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (3MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Conducting polymer composites are attractive alternatives for applications such as electromagnetic shielding in which metals are conventionally used. They have unique advantages like light weight, ease of processing and good strength to weight ratio. This makes them economically viable especially in industries like avionics where weight is an important criterion. However, a major challenge in using conducting polymer composites in many of the applications is its limited conductivity. Even though many models exist to describe the conductivity of the composites at the macro level taking into account the interparticle conductivity, very few studies are conducted to understand the conductivity of the composites directly from basic principles. In this study, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are carried out to study the conductivity in such composites. The results obtained using the MC model showed good agreement with the Mamunya model and the experimental measurements. The effect of various parameters like filler diameter and filler conductivity on the final composite conductivity is studied for spherical and fibrous carbon fillers in silicone rubber. The method can be easily adopted for any other filler-polymer combination and can also be used as a predictive tool for designing simple composites of required electrical properties.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	IET SCIENCE MEASUREMENT & TECHNOLOGY
Publisher:	10.1049/iet-smt.2017.0093
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the INST ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY-IET, MICHAEL FARADAY HOUSE SIX HILLS WAY STEVENAGE, HERTFORD SG1 2AY, ENGLAND
Department/Centre:	Division of Electrical Sciences > Electrical Engineering
Date Deposited:	25 Jan 2018 06:33
Last Modified:	25 Jan 2018 06:33
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/58859

Actions (login required)

View Item