The realization of high filler loads in segregated boron nitride/polyethylene composites for efficient thermal management

Abstract

The formation of segregated structure in thermally conductive polymer composites (TCPCs) is regarded as one promising strategy to improve their thermal conductivity. However, it remains a great challenge to incorporate high filler contents into TCPCs with a segregated structure. Herein, we realize the fabrication of segregated TCPCs with high filler contents by using butadiene rubber (NBR) as interface adhesive between boron nitride nanosheets (BN) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UH). It is demonstrated the formation of segregated structure in the BN@NBR/UH and the BN loads could be as high as 50 wt%. A superior thermal conductivity of 4.36 W/(m·K) is achieved in the 50 wt% BN@NBR/UH, which is increased by 81.7 % compared to the composites with randomly distribution structure. The work provides valuable guidance to the development of high performance TCPCs for thermal management.