This article demonstrates the effect of addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the electrical conductivity of polyurethane foam. Three types of CNT namely pristine, and modified with carboxylic and amine groups were incorporated in foams. The effects of different parameters such as weight percent of the carbon nanotubes and the type of functional groups on electrical conductivity were investigated. According to scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations modification of CNT with amine group improved the CNT dispersion in the foam matrix. Also it was found that incorporating all CNT types can effectively increase electrical conductivity of nanocomposite. However, the pristine CNT showed to be more effective than the ones modified with carboxyl and amine groups. For example, addition of 0.5 wt% of pristine CNT could increase the electrical conductivity up to tenfold. These results were interpreted by discussing the dispersion patterns of different types of carbon nanotubes in polyurethane foam matrix.

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