Thermal conductive segregated multi-scale network constructed by ball-milling and in-situ polymerization in PEEK/MWCNT/graphite composite

Constructing multi-scale fillers collaborative thermal network is considered an efficient way to improve the thermal conductivity of polymer matrix. The thermal conductive network was successfully constructed in poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) with graphite nanosheet (GNS) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Through the synergistic enhancement of the multi-scale fillers and the unique interconnected nano-scale network structure, the thermal conductivity of PEEK with 5 wt% MWCNT and 20 wt% GNS reached 0.65 W m-1 K-1 and 2.64 W m-1 K-1 for through plane and in plane. The methods of in-situ polymerization and ball milling effectively improve the connection of fillers and the construction of thermal conduction path. The relatively low filler content kept the tensile strength of the composites above 61 MPa. With good mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, this material has potential for future applications in thermal conductive structural components.