Research on electrically conductive acrylate resin filled with silver nanoparticles plating multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Silver nanoparticles plating multiwalled carbon nanotubes were synthesized by electroless plating method. The electrically conductive acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive filled with silver nanoparticles plating multiwalled carbon nanotubes was prepared using the solution blending method. Characterization of morphology and other properties were performed by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, etc. Transmission electron microscope images and X-ray diffraction results indicated that impurities in multiwalled carbon nanotubes were effectively removed after purification treatment. Scanning electron microscope images showed that a large number of Ag nanoparticles were successfully coated on the purified multiwalled carbon nanotubes' surfaces, and that Ag/multiwalled carbon nanotubes were homogeneously dispersed in acrylate PSA. Electrical conductivity measurements revealed the existence of a percolation threshold for acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive filled with silver nanoparticles plating multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites at 3.0vol%. In addition, the increment of content of Ag/multiwalled carbon nanotubes can significantly decrease the 180° peel strength and increase shear strength. With an Ag/multiwalled carbon nanotubes content of 6.0vol%, the acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive filled with silver nanoparticles plating multiwalled carbon nanotubes composites exhibited both good electrical conductivity and favorable mechanical properties.