Investigating the thermal conductivity and flame-retardant properties of BN/MoS2/PCNF composite film containing low BN and MoS2 nanosheets loading

Abstract

Cellulose has attracted considerable attention as a potential substitute for plastics. However, the flammability and high thermal insulation properties of cellulose contradict the unique requirements for highly integrated and miniaturized electronics i.e., rapid thermal dissipation and efficient flame retardancy. In this work, cellulose was first phosphorylated to achieve intrinsic flame-retardant properties, and subsequently treated with MoS2 and BN, ensuring efficient dispersion throughout the material. Via chemical crosslinking, a sandwich-like unit was formed, in the order of BN, MoS2, and phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers (PCNF). The sandwich-like units were further self-assembled, layer-by-layer, to successfully create BN/MoS2/PCNF composite films exhibiting excellent thermal conductivity and flame retardancy, and comprised a low MoS2 and BN loading. The thermal conductivity of the BN/MoS2/PCNF composite film containing 5 wt% BN nanosheets was higher than that of neat PCNF film. The combustion characterization of BN/MoS2/PCNF composite films revealed highly desirable properties that were far more superior than the BN/MoS2/TCNF (TCNF, TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers) composite films. Moreover, the toxic volatiles that escaped from flaming BN/MoS2/PCNF composite films were significantly reduced compared to that of the BN/MoS2/TCNF composite film alternative. The thermal conductivity and flame retardancy of BN/MoS2/PCNF composite films have promising application prospects in highly integrated and eco-friendly electronics.