Graphite Nanoplatelets Composite Materials: Role of the Epoxy-System in the Thermal Conductivity

Polymers typically have intrinsic thermal conductivity much lower than other materials. Enhance- ment of this property may be obtained by the addition of conductive fillers. In this research, epoxy nanocomposites with exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets are prepared and characterized. The cho- sen approach requires no surface treatment and no sophisticated equipments allowing one to pro- duce composites on a pilot scale. A significant increase of the thermal conductivity with the in- creasing of the graphite fillers content is nevertheless observed on 4 mm thick specimens. Our results viewed in the latest scientific findings suggest that the choice of resin is an important pa- rameter to move towards composite materials with high thermal conductivity.