Conduction modes analysis on the percolation onset and thermoresistivity of multi-dimensional carbon nanoparticles nanocomposites

Abstract

Highly sensitive thermoresistive composites offer significant potential for mitigating overheating in electronic devices. While adding nanoparticles can enhance nanocomposite properties, hybrid nanoparticles may further improve piezoresistivity. This study introduces a novel modeling framework that examines the quantum tunneling behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanoparticle (CNP)-filled nanocomposites using a Monte Carlo conductive network approach. Unlike previous models, this multistep percolation scheme captures synergistic inter-filler spacing effects and dynamically recalculates tunneling resistance based on CNT–CNP interactions. The temperature-sensitive response is modeled through junctions transitioning from hopping conduction to thermally activated tunneling. Additionally, the effect of conduction modes on thermoresistivity is evaluated for different volume fractions of CNTs and CNPs. Results indicate that resistance decreases with rising temperature in CNT nanocomposites, primarily due to thermal activation of hopping conduction. Furthermore, subbands play a key role in piezoresistivity by affecting strain-dependent conductivity changes, an effect more pronounced in nanocomposites with fewer stable conductive pathways, where electron scattering increases as subbands diminish. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.