Electrophysical properties of composite films based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes under hydrostatic pressure

The effect hydrostatic pressure of up to 9 GPa has on the electrical behavior of polymer composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is investigated at room temperature. The ratio R _9GPa/R ₀ ≈ 7 for samples with resistance in the kilo-ohm range is higher than for samples in the ohm range. Pressure-induced MWCNT features at P ≈ 1.5 GPa are associated with the deformation of the circular form of nanotube walls, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Measurements of direct and reverse resistance and current voltage characteristics under pressure demonstrate the reversibility of electrophysical properties, which could find practical application in creating pressure sensors.