Graphite bulk electrical conductivity

Overall, as mentioned previously, the major challenge in composite plates is how to maintain the best balance between electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. This is mainly influenced by the ratio between the fillers and matrix. Regarding the electrical conductivity, well designed and manufactured composite materials show performance comparable to that of graphite. For example, the bulk electrical conductivity of a well designed and fabricated composite can reach 300 S cm i, close to that of the graphite [21]. 

For SWCNT bundles [35], ID intercalation would occur between the CNTs columns as it is the case for jxilyacetylene. Intercalation either by acceptors (Fig. 6) or donors (Fig. 7) increases the electrical conductivity as expected, however the effect is less pronounced than in bulk graphite [34]. 

It follows from the relation obtained that the minimum electrically conductive additive content is directly proportional to the effective density of the additive. By "effective density" we understand the density of the material under real conditions of making the electrode (with allowance for the actual molding (rolling) pressure, humidity, temperature, etc). In this respect, TEG has unique advantages over all existing types of additives. The density of this material in free state (bulk density) is 0.05 g/cm3, which is about one-fourth of that for the ordinary graphite and one-fifteenth to one-twentieth of that for the metal powders (e.g. nickel, copper powders, etc.). 

Hatui G, Bhattacharya P, Sahoo S, Dhibar S, Das CK (2014) Combined effect of expanded graphite and multiwall carbon nanotubes on the thermo mechanical, morphological as well as electrical conductivity of in situ bulk polymerized polystyrene composites. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf 56 181-191... 

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