Electrical properties and strength of conductive epoxy composites with carbon fillers
Abstract
Thermosetting plastics such as epoxy are useful in various applications due to the inherent strength of these materials. However, some applications require that the epoxy-bonded joint be electrically conductive. An investigation of the electrical properties of carbon-epoxy composites at varying weight ratios of carbon to epoxy were conducted by performing I-V tests with a four point probe. The composite is Ohmic with Carbon content above 33%. Percolation concentration was found to be at 50% Carbon. Epoxy-carbon composite strength measurements via UTM in accordance with ASTM D638 test code shows a decreasing tensile strength with increasing carbon content. The strength of the composite can be improved by mixing with reinforcing fibers such as fiberglass. Applications include prevention of electrostatic discharge vital to prevention of product damage in certain manufacturing processes.