Effect of Dopamine-Functionalized Nano-h-BN on the Charge Dynamics and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Resins at High Temperatures for Potential Power Module Encapsulation Application

Abstract

This paper investigates the charge dynamics and thermal properties of epoxy and its nanocomposites [(10 and 20 wt % of nano-hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN)]. Two indigenously developed setups of the integrated charge [Q(t)] measurement and high-temperature space charge measurement are used to analyze the charge dynamics of the prepared samples under different testing conditions. The dispersion of dopamine-functionalized nano-h-BN is characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties are measured using differential scanning calorimetry and thermal conductivity measurements. The results show that the charge property of the 10 wt % EP nanocomposite is the best under all testing conditions. The uniform dispersion of nano-h-BN can improve both the electrical and thermal properties of epoxy. A proposed mechanism explains the effect of the dopamine-functionalized nano-h-BN particles on the enhancement of nanocomposite properties.