Design and characterization of novel conductive nanocomposites based on carbon nanotube modified liquid crystalline epoxy

In this work, a series of novel isotropically conductive adhesives (ICAs) based on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-modified liquid crystalline epoxy (LCE) resin was prepared. Different loadings of MWCNTs were used to produce LCE composites. Transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrical conductivity measurement, and tensile and flexural measurements were used to characterize the morphology, thermal, phase change, electrical, and mechanical properties of the prepared composites. The results showed that the added MWCNTs were dispersed well in the LCE matrix. The introducing MWCNTs did not show any major influence on typical curing peaks of LCE. Electrical conductivity at room temperature of the composites was increased significantly compared with neat LCE. The conductivity value of 10(-2)Scm(-1) was obtained at a weight concentration of only 0.5% MWCNT. In addition, tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the composites were increased clearly compared with neat LCE matrix. These produced LCE composites with very low MWCNT loadings showed a great prospect of being used as ICAs.