Development of high temperature electrical conductive polymeric nanocomposite films for aerospace applications

In this investigation, an effort has been made to develop an electrically conductive high performance thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite film by reinforcing carbon nano fibers (CNF). PEI reinforced with silver coated CNF nanocomposite films have been processed using a solution casting technique. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films has been characterized using four-point probe test. The results reveal that there is a significant increase in the electrical conductivity of the PEI/Ag coated CNF nanocomposite film when compared to that of unfilled PEI. Tensile test results showed that there is a marginal improvement in the Ag coated CNF/PEI nanocomposite when compared to unfilled PEI films. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis shows that degradation properties of the Ag-coated CNF filled nanocomposite increases. Spectroscopical analysis spectrum confirms the reinforcing effectiveness of Ag-coated CNF in the PEI matrix. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs validated the dispersion of uncoated and coated CNF in the PEI matrix.