Stiff and electrically conductive composites of carbon nanotube aerogels and polymers

Abstract

Many challenges remain in the effort to realize the exceptional mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes in composite materials. Here, we report on highly electrically conductive and mechanically stiff composites of polymers and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Conductive SWNT-based nanofoams (aerogels) are used as scaffolds to create polymer [poly(dimethylsiloxane)] composites. The resulting composites possess electrical conductivities over 1 S cm⁻¹ and exhibit an ∼300% increase in the elastic modulus with as little as 1 vol% nanotube content.