Measuring and modeling the thermal conductivity of epoxy - Boron nitride nanocomposites

In this paper, the thermal conductivity of epoxy - hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposites is investigated. The main goal is to evaluate the effect of particle dispersion and distribution on the thermal conductivity of polymer composites. Therefore, nanocomposites were produced with the use of two different synthesis techniques. Also, 3D models were developed to fit the experimental results on the thermal conductivity of these nanocomposites. The models are mainly based on the ability of surface modified particles to re-organize the polymer matrix in their vicinity. An interfacial layer around the particles is introduced to simulate the affected portion of the polymer matrix. This layer consists of two discrete parts, an inner layer with a constant thickness of a few nm and an outer layer with a dynamic thickness which depends on the interparticle distance and thus, on the filler concentration. Based on the aforementioned assumptions, the model results fit well with the experimental data.