Solution-blended polyethersulfone–graphite hybrid composites: Formation of nanographite and electrical characterization

TLDR: In this article, a solution-blended hybrid composites with carbon black (CB) as the second conducting filler in polyethersulfone (PES)-graphite have been prepared by first dissolving PES in dichloro methane.

Abstract: Solution-blended hybrid composites with carbon black (CB) as the second conducting filler in polyethersulfone (PES)-graphite have been prepared by first dissolving PES in dichloro methane. Addition of 1 wt% CB to solution-blended PES-7 wt% graphite results in decrease in the direct current electrical resistivity by four orders compared to the addition of 0 wt% CB. The particle size of graphite is reduced from few micron to nano level as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy analysis resulting in better dispersion. Without the addition of CB, the binary composite namely PES-7 wt% graphite exhibits finite conductivity due to increase in the contact between graphite particles as a result of reduction in the particle size. Comparison of electrical conductivity of PES-7 wt% graphite-2 wt% CB composites prepared by both solution-blending and powder-mixing routes proves the above-mentioned point. The alternating current behaviour, both conductance and effective dielectric constant studies shows that solu...