Characterization of Conductive Polymer Composites

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 17 views

Introduction

The development of conductive polymer composites has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential applications in various fields, including electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. In this study, we aim to characterize the properties of conductive polymer composites based on corn starch and natural rubber with conductive carbon variations. The use of natural polymers such as corn starch and natural rubber offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic materials.

Materials and Methods

The conductive polymer composite was synthesized using the crosslinking bridge method. Corn starch and natural rubber were mixed using cellulose carboxymethyl (CMC) as a binder agent. CMC not only increases the binding ability between the two polymers but also functions as a compatibilizer to improve the nature of corn starch. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer to increase flexibility and ability to process corn starch. The addition of conductive carbon such as carbon nanotube (CNT), graphite, and carbon foam was also investigated.

Characterization of Conductive Polymer Composites

The structural properties of the conductive polymer composites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the pure polymer composites have amorphous crystalline properties. However, after the addition of conductive carbon, the crystalline properties of composites change to similar to the conductive carbon used. This indicates that the addition of conductive carbon does not change the chemical structure of the polymer composite itself.

Electrical Conductivity

The electrical conductivity of the conductive polymer composites was measured using a four-point probe method. The results showed that the sample without the addition of carbon has a conductivity value of 1,192 x 10⁻⁷ to/cm at a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Meanwhile, the sample added by CNT, graphite, and carbon foam each showed a conductivity value of 6,123 x 10⁻⁴, 7,656 x 10⁻⁴, and 3,134 x 10⁻² to cm, respectively. Specifically, for conductive polymer composites with the addition of graphite, the conductivity value obtained is 7,838 x 10⁻⁴ to/cm.

Analysis of Results

The analysis of the results shows that the addition of conductive carbon has succeeded in creating a conductive path in the structure of corn-based polymer composite. This significantly increases the conductivity of the material, thus making it more applicable in various uses, such as in making sensors or electronic devices. This study shows the great potential of a conductive polymer composite based on environmentally friendly natural materials, as well as opening the way for further exploration in sustainable material technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has successfully characterized the properties of conductive polymer composites based on corn starch and natural rubber with conductive carbon variations. The results show that the addition of conductive carbon significantly increases the conductivity of the material, making it more applicable in various uses. This study highlights the potential of using natural polymers as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic materials. Further research is needed to explore the potential applications of conductive polymer composites in various fields.

Future Directions

The development of conductive polymer composites based on natural polymers offers a promising solution for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Further research is needed to explore the potential applications of conductive polymer composites in various fields, including electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. Additionally, the optimization of the synthesis process and the development of new conductive carbon materials are also essential for the commercialization of conductive polymer composites.

References

[1] K. S. S. Rao et al., "Conductive polymer composites based on natural rubber and corn starch," Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol. 132, no. 2, pp. 1-9, 2015.
[2] M. A. Khan et al., "Synthesis and characterization of conductive polymer composites based on corn starch and natural rubber," Journal of Materials Science, vol. 53, no. 10, pp. 1-12, 2018.
[3] S. K. Singh et al., "Conductive polymer composites based on natural rubber and corn starch: A review," Journal of Polymer Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 1-15, 2018.

Keywords

Conductive polymer composites
Corn starch
Natural rubber
Conductive carbon
Carbon nanotube
Graphite
Carbon foam
Electrical conductivity
Sustainable materials
Environmentally friendly materials

Q: What are conductive polymer composites?

A: Conductive polymer composites are materials that combine the properties of polymers with the conductivity of metals. They are made by mixing a polymer with a conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes or graphite, to create a material that can conduct electricity.

Q: What are the benefits of using conductive polymer composites?

A: Conductive polymer composites offer several benefits, including:

High conductivity: They can conduct electricity with high efficiency, making them suitable for applications such as sensors and electronic devices.
Lightweight: They are often lighter than traditional conductive materials, making them ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
Flexible: They can be molded into various shapes and forms, making them suitable for applications where flexibility is required.
Sustainable: They can be made from natural polymers, such as corn starch and natural rubber, making them a more sustainable option than traditional conductive materials.

Q: What are the applications of conductive polymer composites?

A: Conductive polymer composites have a wide range of applications, including:

Sensors: They can be used to create sensors that can detect changes in temperature, pressure, and other physical parameters.
Electronic devices: They can be used to create electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, that are more efficient and sustainable.
Energy storage: They can be used to create energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors, that are more efficient and sustainable.
Medical devices: They can be used to create medical devices, such as implants and prosthetics, that are more efficient and sustainable.

Q: How are conductive polymer composites made?

A: Conductive polymer composites are made by mixing a polymer with a conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes or graphite, to create a material that can conduct electricity. The process typically involves the following steps:

Synthesis: The polymer and conductive material are synthesized using various methods, such as solution casting or melt extrusion.
Mixing: The polymer and conductive material are mixed together to create a uniform composite.
Processing: The composite is processed into the desired shape and form using various methods, such as injection molding or 3D printing.

Q: What are the challenges associated with conductive polymer composites?

A: Conductive polymer composites face several challenges, including:

Scalability: They can be difficult to scale up for large-scale production.
Cost: They can be more expensive than traditional conductive materials.
Stability: They can be prone to degradation over time, which can affect their conductivity.
Interfacial interactions: The interactions between the polymer and conductive material can affect the conductivity of the composite.

Q: What is the future of conductive polymer composites?

A: The future of conductive polymer composites is bright, with several potential applications and advancements on the horizon. Some of the potential developments include:

Improved conductivity: Researchers are working to improve the conductivity of conductive polymer composites by developing new materials and processing techniques.
Increased scalability: Researchers are working to scale up the production of conductive polymer composites to make them more viable for large-scale applications.
New applications: Researchers are exploring new applications for conductive polymer composites, such as in the field of energy storage and medical devices.

Q: Where can I learn more about conductive polymer composites?

A: There are several resources available for learning more about conductive polymer composites, including:

Scientific journals: Many scientific journals, such as the Journal of Materials Science and the Journal of Polymer Science, publish research on conductive polymer composites.
Conferences: Many conferences, such as the International Conference on Conductive Polymer Composites, are held annually to discuss the latest research and advancements in the field.
Online courses: Many online courses, such as those offered by Coursera and edX, cover the topic of conductive polymer composites.

Q: How can I get involved in the field of conductive polymer composites?

A: There are several ways to get involved in the field of conductive polymer composites, including:

Research: Conduct research on conductive polymer composites to gain a deeper understanding of the material and its properties.
Industry: Work in the industry to develop and commercialize conductive polymer composites.
Education: Teach and educate others about conductive polymer composites to help spread knowledge and understanding of the material.
Networking: Network with others in the field to stay up-to-date on the latest research and advancements.