Influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes’ diameter and length on the thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Abstract

Physical properties of composite materials can be improved by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, the thermal resistance between the polymer matrix and CNT at nanoscale can result in lower thermal conductivity. The paper analyses influence of CNTs’ diameter and length on effective thermal conductivity in epoxy-based composites. It analyses the effect of the diameters, lengths and volumetric fraction of CNT on composites’ thermal conductivity.