Thermoelectric properties of polypropylene carbon nanofiber melt-mixed composites: exploring the role of polymer on their Seebeck coefficient

The effect of polypropylene (PP) on the Seebeck coefficient (S) carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in melt-extruded PP composites filled with up to 5 wt. % CNFs was analyzed this study. as-received present an electrical conductivity ~320 S m?1 and interesting phenomenon showing negative S-values ?5.5 ?VK?1, 10?2 µW/mK2 as power factor (PF). In contrast, PP/CNF showed lower conductivities ~50 m?1, less ?3.8 a PF 7 × 10?4 µW/mK2. particular, change is explained by slight electron donation from outer layers molecules, which could reduce CNFs. Our study indicates that even insulating polymers such may have quantifiable intrinsic carbon-based nanostructures, fact should also be taken into consideration tailor conductive polymer desired thermoelectric (TE) properties. higher coefficients at 30 °C respect their nanofiber (PP/CNF) melt-mixed are graphitic shells molecules. denotes that, contrary expectations, play non-negligible role final composed nanostructures.