Two-phase Hybrid Thermal Interface Alkali-treated E-Glass Fiber/MWCNT/Graphene/Copper Oxide Nanocomposites for Electronic Gadgets.

Abstract

Introduction: Two-phase hybrid mode thermal interface materials were created and characterized for mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and wear behaviour. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this current research was to use alkali-treated glass fibre and other allotropes to produce high-performance two-phase thermal interface materials.

Method: Three different polymer composites were prepared to contain 20 vol.% alkalies [NaOH] treated e-glass fibre [E] and epoxy as a matrix with varying proportions of multi-walled carbon nanotube [MWCNT], graphene [G], copper oxide [C]. The one-phase material contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%MWCNT [EMGC1], the two-phase hybrid composite contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%MWCNT+1%graphene+1%CuO [EMGC2], and two-phase material contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%graphene+1%CuO [EMGC3]. Vacuum bagging method was used for fabricating the composites.

Result: The higher thermal conductivity observed was 0.3466 W/mK for EMGC2, the alkali-treated glass fibre/hybrid mode nanofillers epoxy matrix composite was mechanically tougher than the other two composites [EMGC1 & EMGC3]. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the fine filler dispersion and homogenous interaction with the glass fibre/epoxy resin composite of the upper and lower zone, which also revealed the defective zone, fibre elongation, fibre/filler breakages, and filler leached surfaces.

Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the hybrid mode two-phased structure EMGC2 epoxy matrix composite replicated the maximum thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and wear properties of the other two specimens.