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Dispersion assessment and studies on AC percolative conductivity in polymer-derived Si–C–N/CNT ceramic nanocomposites

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Abstract

Nanocomposites comprise polysilazane-derived SiCN ceramic charged with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared by dispersion of multi-walled CNTs with a diameter of 80 nm in a cross-linked polysilazane (HTT 1800, Clariant) using a simple roll-mixer method. Subsequently, the composites were warm pressed and pyrolyzed in argon atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D Raman imaging techniques were used as major tools to assess the dispersion of CNTs throughout the ceramic matrix. Furthermore, studies on the effect of the volume fraction of CNTs in the nanocomposites on their electrical properties have been performed. The specific bulk conductivities of the materials were analyzed by AC impedance spectroscopy, revealing percolation thresholds (ρc) at CNT loadings lower than 1 vol%. Maximum conductivity amounted to 7.6 × 10−2 S/cm was observed at 5 vol% CNT. The conductivity exponent in the SiCN/CNT composites was found equal to 1.71, indicating transport in three dimensions.

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Acknowledgements

AF acknowledges the support of the Alexander von Humboldt fellowship program. The authors thank Prof. Dr. Loutfi (MER Company, USA) for supplying the multi-walled CNTs used in this study and Dr. Bremes for performing the electrical conductivity measurements. RR thanks the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technische Universität Darmstadt, Institute for Materials Science, Petersenstrasse 23, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany

    E. Ionescu & R. Riedel

  2. Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI), P.O. Box 87, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt

    A. Francis

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  1. E. Ionescu
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  2. A. Francis
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  3. R. Riedel
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Correspondence to E. Ionescu.

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Ionescu, E., Francis, A. & Riedel, R. Dispersion assessment and studies on AC percolative conductivity in polymer-derived Si–C–N/CNT ceramic nanocomposites. J Mater Sci 44, 2055–2062 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-3304-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-3304-3

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