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Paper

J. Mater. Chem., 2010, 20, 308 - 313, DOI: 10.1039/b914924d


Microstructural characterisation and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/glass-ceramic nanocomposites

Roberto Giovanardi, Monia Montorsi, Guido Ori, Johann Cho, Tayyab Subhani, Aldo R. Boccaccini and Cristina Siligardi


We report on an improved processing method for fabricating multiwalled carbon nanotubes/glass-ceramic nanocomposites based on vanadium doped silicate glass matrices. Starting from the design of a stable aqueous dispersion of CNTs, achieved using a cationic surfactant, the interaction of CNTs with glass particles in suspension was improved using a co-solvent that provided access to nanocomposites exhibiting high quality CNT distribution in the matrix, which was confirmed by detailed micro/nano-structural and morphological characterisation. Considering that very few studies have focused on the functional properties of CNT/glass composites, in the present investigation the electrical resistivity of CNT/glass composites was measured and it was demonstrated that higher electrical conductivity values were obtained compared to previous similar materials fabricated by conventional powder processing.

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