Thermal conductivity enhancement derived from poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted carbon nanotubes in poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene blends

Abstract

This paper presents a method to enhance thermal conductivity using poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), polystyrene(PS) blends, and incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs are selectively localized in PMMA phase to improve conductive properties. In addition, Surface of MWCNTs was treated withPMMAto enhance affinity between matrix and filler. PMMA grafting helps filler localization on matrix phase. Composites using two polymers enhanced thermal conductivity by ~11% compared with composites using only PS or PMMA. Also, PMMA grafting on the surface of MWCNTs enhanced thermal conductivity by ~13% compared with samples without PMMA grafting.