Percolation, Electrical Conductivity, and EMI Shield Analysis of CNT Composites

Abstract

Analysis of Carbon Nano-Tube (CNT) filled polymer composites is the focus of this work. CNT composites have far-reaching applications ranging from being applied in electronics as conductive polymer thin-films, in light weight aircraft structural components, and in many other engineering disciplines. These nano-composites are challenging to process and scalability and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing are yet to be achieved. Upfront models for electrical characterization of CNT composites are developed and analyzed for quick what-if analysis, and cost-effective solutions in manufacturing for various applications. Representative Volume Element (RVE) models with material homogenization conditions are developed in generating a 3D network of fillers within the RVE, which involve placing fillers that exceed the RVE into their respective position on the opposite face of RVE as if the RVE is part of a larger network of RVEs. The RVE models with 3D network of CNTs within RVE developed are used for percolation, electrical conductivity and Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield effectiveness (SE) of CNT-based polymer composites.