Electronics packaging is fast paced area of research as scientists work to keep up with the new demands of smaller, more powerful electronic devices. In this study, researchers looked at how the manufacturing technique used to create vapour grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF)/rubbery epoxy composites affects the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the final product. Samples were produced by one of three methods: mechanical mixing (MM), three-roll ...
Thermal energy storage (TES) is incredibly important to expanding the field of renewable energy. In this study, the authors look at the potential of composite phase change materials (PCMs) for use in this application. A ball milling method was used to exfoliate expanded graphite in nanosheets that could be added to eicosane to create composite materials. Composites with nanosheets of various sizes were created, and the effect of cooling rate ...
In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the construction industry is investing more in 'green' concretes and insulation materials. The purpose of this research was to create a porous foam using a geopolymer mixture and varying amounts of silica carbide sludge. By changing the amount of the sludge added, researchers could control what type of microstructure was produced. The effect of this variation on porosity and thermal properties was ...
The authors have developed a method for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The functionalization of the SWCNTs is useful in helping to produce a better dispersion of nanotubes throughout a polymer matrix. Better dispersion of nanotubes was thought to result in an improvement in the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of nanocomposite polymers. It was determined that the method produced effective surface modification of the nanotubes. The elastic ...
A nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (NePCM) is prepared by the dispersal of carbon nanotubes in 1-dodecanol. The objective of this experiment was to determine if the addition of nanoparticles could increase the thermal conductivity of the base PCM while resulting in a NePCM that would still have the required properties of a functional PCM. It was found that the thermal conductivity was enhanced through the addition of the carbon nanotubes; ...
