Water-based single-walled nanotube–filled polymer composite with exceptionally low percolation threshold

An emulsion polymer (i.e., latex) has been used as the polymer matrix starting material in order to lower the percolation threshold of single-walled-carbon-nanotube (SWNT)-filled polymer composites (e.g., see Figure). A percolation threshold below 0.04 wt.-% SWNT is achieved. This composite system offers the potential for conductive polymers that are relatively inexpensive, mechanically robust, environmentally stable, and easy to process.