Methods of preparing conductive thermoset precursors containing carbon
nanotubes is provided. Also provided is a method of preparing conductive
thermosets containing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may in
individual form or in the form of aggregates having a macromorpology
resembling the shape of a cotton candy, bird nest, combed yarn or open
net. Preferred multiwalled carbon nanotubes have diameters no greater
than 1 micron and preferred single walled carbon nanotubes have diameters
less than 5 nm. Carbon nanotubes may be adequately dispersed in a
thermoset precursor by using a extrusion process generally reserved for
thermoplastics. The thermoset precursor may be a precursor for epoxy,
phenolic, polyimide, urethane, polyester, vinyl ester or silicone. A
preferred thermoset precursor is a bisphenol A derivative.