Thermal Conductivity of Polymers and Their Nanocomposites

TL;DR

This review discusses recent experimental and theoretical advances in understanding and enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymers and their nanocomposites, highlighting mechanisms, challenges, and potential applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in thermal transport in polymers and nanocomposites, emphasizing mechanisms and enhancement strategies.

Findings

Certain polymers exhibit high thermal conductivity comparable to metals.

Nanocomposites can significantly enhance polymer thermal conductivity.

Open questions remain in theoretical understanding of thermal transport.

Abstract

Polymers are usually considered as thermal insulators and their applications are limited by their low thermal conductivity. However, recent studies showed that certain polymers have surprisingly high thermal conductivity, some of which are comparable to that in poor metals or even silicon. In this review, we outline the experimental achievements and theoretical progress of thermal transport in polymers and their nanocomposites. The open questions and challenges of existing theories are discussed. Special attention is given to the mechanism of thermal transport, the enhancement of thermal conductivity in polymer nanocomposites/fibers, and their potential application as thermal interface materials.