Thermal And Electrical Conductivity Analysis Of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes - Epoxy Composites: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive study on the thermal and electrical performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced epoxy composites. Composites were prepared with CNT volume fractions ranging from 0.1% to 8% using Epoxy resin matrices. Thermal conductivity was evaluated through the Lee’s Disc method, while electrical resistance was measured using Mega Ohm meter & Multi meter-based setups in-plane and through-thickness configurations. Results were further compared with theoretical predictions from Maxwell–Garnett, Hashin–Shtrikman, and percolation models. The study reveals that electrical conductivity exhibits a clear percolation threshold between 2% and 4% CNT loading, with significant enhancement at higher fractions, whereas thermal conductivity shows only modest improvement due to interfacial resistance and CNT agglomeration. This work highlights the contrasting transport mechanisms in CNT/epoxy composites and their potential applications in electronic packaging, EMI shielding, and thermal management systems.