Graphite Nanoplatelet−Epoxy Composite Thermal Interface Materials

Abstract

Natural graphite was intercalated, thermally exfoliated, and dispersed in acetone to prepare graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs, Gn) of controlled aspect ratio. Thermal conductivity measurements indicate that few graphene layer Gn, where n ∼ 4, with a thickness of ∼2 nm function as a very efficient filler for epoxy composites. When embedded in an epoxy matrix, the G4 GNPs provide a thermal conductivity enhancement of more than 3000% (loading of ∼25 vol %), and a thermal conductivity κ = 6.44 W/mK, which surpasses the performance of conventional fillers that require a loading of ∼70 vol % to achieve these values. We attribute the outstanding thermal properties of this material to a favorable combination of the high aspect ratio, two-dimensional geometry, stiffness, and low thermal interface resistance of the GNPs.