Transport of thermal energy in epoxy matrix composites reinforced with a hybrid carbon nanofiller

Abstract

The transport behavior of thermal energy in an epoxy matrix composite was studied. The composite was reinforced with a hybrid filler consisting of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets at the nanometer level. The results indicated that there exists a synergistic effect between carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets on composite thermal conductivity. The unique structure of hybrid fillers provides functional advantages in relation to thermal conductivity, but only at low loading. The hybrid filler can yield a 28% increase in composite thermal conductivity, compared to graphene nanoplatelets. The synergistic benefit to thermal conductivity derives from the formation of more efficient thermally conducting paths in composites. Keywords: Polymer nanocomposites, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Thermal properties, Epoxy matrix, Hybrid nanofillers