Ordered orientation of silicon carbide nanowires in polymer composites for enhanced permittivity and energy storage density

Abstract

Polymer composites with favorable dielectric properties and energy density are eager for energy storage application in electrical and electronic industry. Among various high-dielectric fillers, inorganic nanowires with high aspect ratio exhibit an excellent ability to enhance permittivity and energy storage density of polymers. Herein, we report ordered orientation of surface modified silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs) in epoxy resin via bar coating method. The relationship of ordered orientation and aspect ratio of SiCNWs with permittivity, breakdown strength, and energy density of the polymer composites was investigated. Owing to the ordered orientation of SiCNWs and their enhanced compatibility with epoxy resin, the prepared SiCNWs/epoxy resin composite possesses an enhanced permittivity (16.79), low dielectric loss (0.05), and a high energy density (29.5 × 10−3 J/cm3 under 200 kV/cm). Finite element simulation demonstrates that the ordered orientation of SiCNWs in epoxy resin not only attenuates the electric intensity but also prolongs the breakdown pathway. This work paves a new approach to preparation of polymer composites with enhanced permittivity and energy density in energy storage application.