Issue 8, 2014

Self-constructed tree-shape high thermal conductivity nanosilver networks in epoxy

Abstract

We report the formation of high aspect ratio nanoscale tree-shape silver networks in epoxy, at low temperatures (<150 °C) and atmospheric pressures, that are correlated to a ∼200 fold enhancement of thermal conductivity (κ) of the nanocomposite compared to the polymer matrix. The networks form through a three-step process comprising of self-assembly by diffusion limited aggregation of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated nanoparticles, removal of PVP coating from the surface, and sintering of silver nanoparticles in high aspect ratio networked structures. Controlling self-assembly and sintering by carefully designed multistep temperature and time processing leads to κ of our silver nanocomposites that are up to 300% of the present state of the art polymer nanocomposites at similar volume fractions. Our investigation of the κ enhancements enabled by tree-shaped network nanocomposites provides a basis for the development of new polymer nanocomposites for thermal transport and storage applications.

Graphical abstract: Self-constructed tree-shape high thermal conductivity nanosilver networks in epoxy

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
06 Dec 2013
Accepted
21 Jan 2014
First published
28 Jan 2014

Nanoscale, 2014,6, 4292-4296

Author version available

Self-constructed tree-shape high thermal conductivity nanosilver networks in epoxy

K. Pashayi, H. R. Fard, F. Lai, S. Iruvanti, J. Plawsky and T. Borca-Tasciuc, Nanoscale, 2014, 6, 4292 DOI: 10.1039/C3NR06494H

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