High-k dielectric percolative nanocomposites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyvinyl chloride

Abstract

This work reports high-k dielectric nanocomposites made with multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyvinyl chloride (MWCNTs/PVC) using a new and simple mixing protocol for the dispersion of MWCNTs in PVC. A complex morphology is seen for nanocomposites with high MWCNT concentration due to the intrinsic van der Waals attraction in MWCNTs. The AC conductivity behaviour of these nanocomposites is explained using standard percolation theory and the MWCNT concentration threshold is calculated using the Power law, which is in accordance with the experimental value. The MWCNT/PVC nanocomposite with high MWCNT concentration, 4%, exhibits its dielectric constant of 13 066 with low dielectric loss. The extraordinary improvement in the dielectric properties of nanocomposites with high concentration MWCNTs is also explained using different theoretical models.