Improving the Vertical Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites by Forming Layer-by-Layer Contact of Inorganic Crystals

Abstract

A carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a light and rigid composite applicable in various fields, such as in aviation and automobile industry. However, due to its low thermal conductivity, it does not dissipate heat sufficiently and thus accumulates heat stress. Here, we reported a facile and effective strategy to improve the through-thickness thermal conductivity of CFRP composites by using a layer-by-layer coating of inorganic crystals. They could provide efficient heat transfer pathways through layer-by-layer contact within the resulting composite material. The high thermally conductive CFRP composites were prepared by employing three types of inorganic crystal fillers composed of aluminum, magnesium, and copper on prepreg through the layer-by-layer coating process. The vertical thermal conductivity of pure CFRP was increased by up to 87% on using magnesium filler at a very low content of 0.01 wt %. It was also confirmed that the higher the thermal conductivity enhancement was, the better were the mechanical properties. Thus, we could demonstrate that the layer-by-layer inclusion of inorganic crystals can lead to improved through-thickness thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of composites, which might find applications in varied industrial fields.

High-Performance Nanoscale Metallic Multilayer Composites: Techniques, Mechanical Properties and Applications

“…High thermal and electrical conductivity, exceptional fluidity, and good biocompatibility have all been achieved in liquid metal composites, which have potential applications in thermal management. In this regard, Figure 17 shows some examples of liquid-based metallic composites; Figure 17a shows the general structure of these composites, Figure 17b demonstrates liquid metal-based nano-composites and their application in printable stretchable electronics, and Figure 17c shows the basic synthesis routes for the production of liquid metal-based nano-composites [142]. Additionally, Figure 17d demonstrates the use of a layer-by-layer coating to create carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites with high thermal conductivity that contain inorganic crystal fillers [143].…”

“…to their unique properties, like high thermal conductivity, excellent fluidity, and biocompatibility. [142], (c) the basic synthesis routes for the production of liquid metal-based nano-composites [142], and (d) the layer-by-layer coated composites of high thermal conductivity carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and inorganic crystal fillers [143].…”

“…Printable stretchable electronics: liquid metal-based nanocomposites have been developed for printable stretchable electronics, which have potential applications in wearable devices and soft robotics [142]; II. Embedded passives and interconnects: nanomaterials have been explored for use in embedded passives and interconnects, which can improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices [149]; III.…”

Synergistic effect of woven copper wires with graphene foams for high thermal conductivity of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

“…One of the most widely-used methods is to incorporate thermally-conductive llers (e.g. copper powders [10,19], boron nitride [20], carbon black [13], graphene [21][22][23], carbon nanotubes (CNT) [24], etc.) into resin matrix.…”

Highly Stretchable and Transparent Optical Adhesive Films Using Hierarchically Structured Rigid-Flexible Dual-Stiffness Nanoparticles

“…In the broad spectrum of applied materials, inorganic fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate, aerosols, and glass bubbles or functional particles such as catalysts and organic–inorganic hybrid particles are commonly used, and they are characterized according to their processability, weight, economic cost, and dimensional stability among others. − Research on the surface modification of organic–inorganic hybrid particles using micro- or nanosized particles has continued to advance in various applications. For example, the well-known silane coupling reaction for the surface modification of inorganic particles has been studied.…”