Structure characterization and DC conductivity of honeycomb patterned poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film via pretreatment at high temperature

Abstract Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) composites containing different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole with ferric chloride. The synthesized composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. A honeycomb‐patterned film was fabricated by casting the PVK–MWCNT composite solution under humid conditions. The morphology of the honeycomb‐patterned films in the PVK–MWCNT polymer composites and the dependence of its pore diameter and pore height on MWCNT concentration were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The honeycomb‐patterned films were treated at 150, 250, 400, and 490°C to study the arrangement of MWCNTs in the patterned films and to measure the DC conductivity depending on the calcination temperature. DC conductivity of the patterned films was increased by increasing the concentration of MWCNT in the composites and in the increased pretreatment temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers