Dielectric polymer matrix composite films of CNT coated with anatase TiO2

This study presents the fabrication method and the dielectric property of polymer matrix composite films of carbon nanotube (CNT) coated with TiO2. The TiO2 was coated with sol-gel method using titanium (IV) butoxide (TNBT), HO2 and benzyl-alcohol as the surfactant. The configuration of CNT-TiO2 hybrid was observed with the field emission scanning electron microscope images. The coated TiO2 was thermally treated and transformed into the anatase structure to enhance the mechanical strength and get the high insulating property. The anatase structure was proved from the diffraction angles of XRD. The CNT-TiO2 hybrid was mixed with the epoxy resin using 3-roll-mil and casted into the films using film casting method. The structure of CNT-TiO2 hybrid was ascertained to be maintained against the high shear stress during the mixing and casting processes. The dielectric property of the composite films was measured following IPC-TM-6550. The dielectric property at 1 GHz of the composite film of 5 wt.% CNT is about 10 and the loss tangent at 1 GHz is about 0.06. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.