This paper reports on the development of electrically conductive nanocomposites
containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes in an unsaturated polyester matrix. The
resistivity of the liquid suspension during processing is used to evaluate the
quality of the filler dispersion, which is also studied using optical
microscopy. The electrical properties of the cured composites are analysed by AC
impedance spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements. The conductivity of the
cured nanocomposite follows a statistical percolation model, with percolation
threshold at 0.026 wt.% loading of nanotubes. The results obtained show that
unsaturated polyesters are a matrix suitable for the preparation of electrically
conductive thermosetting nanocomposites at low nanotube concentrations. The
effect of carbon nanotubes reaggregation on the electrical properties of the
spatial structure generated is discussed
