Because of the challenges associated with the fabrication of aligned CNT-based bulk composites, a two-frequency electric-field-assisted method is proposed herein to prepare composites enhanced with bundle-structured CNTs (b-CNTs), which is markedly different from the results of a random arrangement or conventional alignment using a fixed-frequency electric field. As-prepared b-CNTs notably improve the mechanical and electrical properties of polyurethane acrylate (PUA), achieving a 57.2% higher flexibility and a 68.2% larger dielectric constant than pure PUA. The effects of the electric field frequencies on the arrangement of CNTs are investigated to understand the dynamic processes associated with aligning CNTs in the polymer solution, which are mainly governed by the interplay between dielectrophoretic forces and fluid-induced shear stress on CNTs. Such a solution-based method can be adapted to efficiently fabricate large-size functional composites.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Electric field effects
• Carbon-based materials
• Nanotubes
• Electrical techniques