Nanowire-filled polymer composites with ultrahigh thermal conductivity
Abstract
Realizing high thermal conductivity nanocomposites is a challenge because of difficulties in incorporating high fractions of uniformly dispersed nanofillers and countering low filler-matrix interfacial conductance. Here, we obviate these issues by using <3 vol. % gold nanowire fillers to obtain a 30-fold increase in polydimethylsiloxane thermal conductivity that is 6-fold higher than any nanocomposite at low nanofiller loadings and exceeds theoretical predictions. The nanowire diameter and aspect ratio are keys to obtaining cold-welded networks that enhance thermal conductivity while fostering low modulus and electrical conductivity. Such nanowire nanocomposites are attractive for many applications in electronics, packaging, and energy devices.
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- March 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.4793419
- Bibcode:
- 2013ApPhL.102i3117B
- Keywords:
-
- elastic moduli;
- electrical conductivity;
- filled polymers;
- gold;
- nanocomposites;
- nanowires;
- thermal conductivity;
- 66.70.Lm;
- 73.63.Bd;
- 81.40.Jj;
- 62.20.de;
- Other systems such as ionic crystals molecular crystals nanotubes etc.;
- Nanocrystalline materials;
- Elasticity and anelasticity stress-strain relations;
- Elastic moduli