Percolation of single-walled carbon nanotubes in ceramic matrix nanocomposites

The percolation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in an electrical insulating ceramic is studied for the first time. The in situ synthesis of the CNT (0.2–25 vol%) by a CCVD route allows to achieve their homogeneous distribution in the spinel matrix. Up to 11 vol% CNT, the DC electrical conductivity (σ) is well fitted by the scaling law of the percolation theory σ=k(p−pc)t with a low percolation threshold pc=0.64 vol%. At the threshold, σ jumps over seven order of magnitude (from 10−10 to 0.0040 S cm−1) and then reaches a maximum at 8.5 S cm−1. The results are discussed in relation with the characteristics of the CNT, their damaging during the hot-pressing at 1300 °C and the microstructure of the composites. CNT-ceramic composites become attractive materials not only for their enhanced mechanical properties, but also for the possibility to tailor the electrical conductivity through the CNT content.