Abstract
This Research Article reports on the enhancement of the thermal transport properties of nanocomposite materials containing hexagonal boron nitride in poly(vinyl alcohol) through room-temperature atmospheric pressure direct-current microplasma processing. Results show that the microplasma treatment leads to exfoliation of the hexagonal boron nitride in isopropyl alcohol, reducing the number of stacks from >30 to a few or single layers. The thermal diffusivity of the resulting nanocomposites reaches 8.5 mm(2) s(-1), 50 times greater than blank poly(vinyl alcohol) and twice that of nanocomposites containing nonplasma treated boron nitride nanosheets. From TEM analysis, we observe much less aggregation of the nanosheets after plasma processing along with indications of an amorphous carbon interfacial layer, which may contribute to stable dispersion of boron nitride nanosheets in the resulting plasma treated colloids.
Highlights
Polymer-matrix-based nanocomposite materials is an emerging area in nanotechnology with significant potential for advanced materials design and development
The results demonstrate that microplasma processed BN nanosheets (BNNSs) holds promise for enhanced polymer nanocomposites functionality
The results indicate microplasma processing has significantly improved the dispersion and stability of BNNSs in the solvent
Summary
Polymer-matrix-based nanocomposite materials is an emerging area in nanotechnology with significant potential for advanced materials design and development. One common strategy to achieve nanoparticle (NP) colloidal stability is via the chemical binding of ligands to the surface of the nanoparticles, a covalent linkage between the ligand and the nanoparticle may alter the properties of the nanoparticles through a modification of their electronic density and the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium[1] and the presence of surfactant/ligand at the organic−inorganic interface often limits the material performance, especially in electrical applications.[2] The other challenge yet to be fully addressed is the weak interfacial interaction between the inorganic and organic phases because of the lack of strong (i.e., covalent) bond between the components. Most dispersion methods still produce composites where the polymer matrix and the fillers interact through relatively weak dispersive forces.[3] Other concerns remain with the preparation of NPs, such as contamination (from surfactants), the multiple synthesis/processing and purification/cleansing steps required.[4,5]
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