Conductive paints development through nanotechnology

Abstract

The aim of this work has been to develop paints with tailored electrical properties by means incorporation of commercial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a commercial polymeric base paint in low content (below 3 wt.%). It has been given a special interest in the dispersion process of nanomaterials in the base paint, using advanced high shear forces technique called three roll mills. The paint application was carried out by a commercial aerographic spray gun on metallic and glass substrates. A detailed characterization was performed: thickness, adhesion, hardness, electrical conductivity and resistance to environmental degradation (UV light and humidity and salt spray accelerated tests). These new paints presented electrical conductivity values up to 8 orders of magnitude higher than the pristine paint and significant improvements in their performance against environmental degradation. These paints, depending on the conductivity values, could be used for antistatic applications, conductive thin layers and electrodes, and even as electromagnetic shielding system.