| Electrical properties of polymers can be improved by adding carbon-based fillers and reinforcements. In this thesis solvent-borne polyurethane was selected as polymer matrix. A conducting polymer composite is made using a Cowls mixer in dimethyl formamide (DMF) medium with a mixture of carbon black and graphite as conductive fillers. The effect on properties of carbon black, graphite, and mixture was correlated with the microstructure. Electrical resistivity studies on various film thicknesses were performed. The effect of coupling agent and dispersing aids on the mixture was investigated. Different mixing techniques were evaluated to reduce agglomerates and the roughness on the film surface. Thermal, mechanical, electrical properties were evaluated and correlated. A microstructural correlation was also performed. Electrical properties of a mixture of carbon black and graphite were better than the individual carbonaceous fillers. The desired electrical resistivity was achieved by varying the carbon filler content and the compounding conditions. |
