Electrical Behavior of Single/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composites

Peculiarities of electrical properties of compound materials fabricated by introduction of single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with high level of purity into polymer host matrix were studied. Detailed investigation of lateral resistances of the prepared samples in the range of temperatures from 50 to 200 K were performed. Analysis of the conductivity mechanisms in this temperature range was performed by applying Arrhenius equation-based models. Temperature dependencies of lateral resistance were fitted to extract respective activation energies. Distinctions between fabricated specimens reinforced with multi-walled nanotubes and those doped by single-walled carbon nanotubes were demonstrated. It is concluded that composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes generally exhibit lower resistances as compared to their single-walled counterpart.