Structure and properties of metal-free conductive tracks on polyethylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites as obtained by laser stimulated percolation

The investigation has been developed from basic characterization up to industrial scale manufacturing. The method is fast, flexible and innovative, because: (i) highly adherent tracks of any selected pattern on a low cast material can be obtained, (ii) the tracks are metal-free, a fact rendering the composite fully recyclable and (iii) the irradiated materials have application for electrical signals transport; (iv) the tracks are also characterized by piezoresistive properties so allowing their employment as pressure sensors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The fabrication and characterization of conductive tracks by laser irradiation on non-conductive multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyethylene (MWCNT/HDPE) composites is reported. Along the irradiated paths the percolation of MWCNTs is occurring, as demonstrated by field emission scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. An increment of the track conductivity of several orders of magnitude is documented by single pass Kelvin probe force and current sensing atomic force microscopies, together with electrical measurements. The structure of conductive paths has been estimated by secondary electron charge contrast imaging.