Properties of regioregular poly(3-octylthiophene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube composites

Composites films of poly (3-octylthiophene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube have been fabricated. Transmission electron microscopy revels multi-wall nanotube structures embedded in an amorphous polymer matrix. After incorporation of the nanotubes an enhancement in the electrical conductivity of up to five orders is observed. Temperature dependent conductivity studies indicate a decrease in the activation energy for the composite films. There is evidence that the composite films are much harder and much more stable than the ‘undoped’ polymer.