In this article, researchers used the sol-gel method to create a thermally conductive phase change material (PCM), paraffin/silicon dioxide (SiO2)/expanded graphite (EG) composite. This PCM is composed of a supporting material, silica gel, and a thermally conductive material, expanded graphite. Thermal properties, such as conductivity and diffusivity were determined experimentally, and a differential scanning calorimeter was used to characterize the melting temperature and latent heat of the PCM. ...
Researchers have determined the potential of increasing the thermal conductivity of insulating polymers by adding conductive fillers. One common application this may be used for, is fuel cell bipolar plates. In this article, researchers tested varying amounts of three different carbon fillers (black carbon, synthetic graphite particles, and carbon nanotubes), by adding them to polypropylene. Both single fillers and combination fillers were studied for their potential effects on the thermal ...
This research proposed a new, flame retardant, shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM), for use in thermal energy storage. Typical paraffin and high-density polyethylene has great shape retention, however is highly flammable and has a low thermal conductivity. Researchers introduced expanded graphite and an intumescent flame retardant to the mix to improve the thermal properties and flammability, respectively. After several tests, including a thermal conductivity evaluation, on multiple variations of the ...
Polystyrene (PS)/graphite thermal conductive nano-composites were prepared to verify the high thermal conductivity values with the addition of graphite, as well as the layered structure. The thermal conductivity of PS improved greatly in the presence of the graphite. Researchers used the Maxwell-Eucken model and the Agari model to evaluate thermal conductivity. For the purpose of improving the interfacial compatibility of PS/graphite, three PS fabrication methods were introduced to ...
