Hybrid nanocomposites based on silicon carbide : Electronic and electro-optical investigations

Abstract : Nanostructured materials based on the wide band gap semiconductor Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles as isolated objects, embedded in polymer matrixes or functionalized by thin layer (~2 nm) of conducting polymers were realized. The physical properties of several nanocomposites were investigated including electrical, dielectric, optical and electro-optical features. The Electro-optical properties are marked by enhanced Pockels parameters values due to polymer-nanoparticles interfaces effects. On the other hand, hybrid core-shell functionalization of the nanoparticle surfaces are marked by enhanced electrical conductivities of the network associated to good thermo-mechanical behaviour. The physical origin of the electrical conductivity in these nanomaterials is discussed based on the dynamics of polarons in the hybrid nanocomposites.