PTC/NTC Behaviors of Nanostructured Carbon Black-filled HDPE Polymer Composites

In this study, the effects of carbon black (CB) content and anodic oxidation treatment with $AgNO_3$ on positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior of CB/HDPE nanocomposites were investigated. Also, the addition of elastomer as a toughing agent was studied. The 20~50 wt% of CB, 0~5 wtt% of elastomer, and 1 wt% of $AgNO_3$-filled HDPE nanocomposites were prepared using the internal mixer in 60 rpm at $160{\circ}C$ and the compression-molded at $180{\circ}C$ for 10 min. As a result, the room temperature resistivity and PTC intensity of the composites were dependent, to a large extent, on the content of CB, addition of elastomer, and surface chemical properties that were controlled in the relative arrangements of the carbon black aggregates in a polymeric matrix. Moreover, the composites with relatively low room temperature resistivity and suitable PTC intensity could be achieved by treatment of $AgNO_3$. Consequently, it was noted that PTC effect was due to the deagglomeration or the breakage of the conductive networks caused by thermal expansion or crystalline melting of the polymeric matrix.