Optimization of hybrid filler in thermally conductive composite formation

Carbon nanotubes, alumina and carbon black were combined with graphite nanoplatelets in an epoxy resin in order to reach compromise between increase in thermal conductivity and composite formation. The results confirm that carbon nanotubes with a fiber structure can enter the boundary between adjacent graphite nanoplatelets and can construct an effective thermally conductive network. The carbon nanotubes-graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite was also found to exhibit improved moldability compared with solo graphite nanoplatelets filler content. Alumina-graphite nanoplatelet/epoxy and carbon black-graphite nanoplatelet/epoxy composites both exhibited good moldability, but the aggregate shapes from spherical particles in alumina and carbon black were unfavorable due to the increase in thermal conductivity.