Abstract
High aspect ratio gold nanowires were uniformly dispersed into a P(VDF-TrFE) matrix. The nanowires were synthesized by electrodeposition using nanoporous anodic alumina oxide templates. Intrinsic optical conductivity of gold nanowires was determined by Valence Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The effect of increasing volume fraction of Au nanowires on the morphology and crystallization of P(VDF-TrFE) matrix was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The crystallinity of P(VDF-TrFE) is strongly depressed by the randomly dispersed nanowires. Above 30 vol % the crystallisation of P(VDF-TrFE) is suppressed. The bulk electrical conductivity of nanocomposite films, at room temperature, obeys a percolation behaviour at a low threshold of 2.2 vol. % and confirmed using surface resistivity value. An electrical conductivity of 100 S.m -1 is achieved for a 3 vol. % filler content.