Final answer:
Physically mixing metal nanopowders with MWCNT in a polymer matrix may not significantly improve conductivity to the same extent as chemical methods, as physical mixing alone may not create a continuous conductive network due to limited interaction between particles and CNTs. Surface functionalization and dispersion control are important for significant conductivity enhancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses whether merely physically mixing metal nanopowders with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in a polymer matrix would improve the conductivity of the polymer, akin to the effect seen when chemically reducing nanoparticles in a CNT dispersion.
While chemical methods can create a strong interaction between nanoparticles and CNTs, which improves conductivity, physical mixing alone might not result in the same level of interaction and therefore might not significantly enhance conductivity.
Physical mixing without chemically functionalizing the particles or the CNTs might not allow for an optimal percolation threshold, which is necessary for creating an effective conductive network throughout the polymer matrix. The conductivity depends on the establishment of a continuous network of conductive paths.
While physical mixing can potentially increase electrical conductivity compared to the neat polymer, it may not reach the conductivity levels achieved by properly functionalized and dispersed nanoparticles and CNTs.
Additionally, the interaction between the metal particles and CNT network during physical mixing can be limited, which might restrict the formation of a seamless conductive network necessary to significantly boost conductivity.
To achieve a similar increase in conductivity as that seen with chemical methods, further steps such as surface functionalization and control over dispersion and alignment of the MWCNTs would likely be necessary.