Thermal transport in graphene-based nanocomposite

Abstract

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study model graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes in an organic matrix. We demonstrate that, despite relatively high interfacial thermal resistance between the filler and the matrix, the thermal conductivity enhancement of the nanocomposite can be very significant. Our results suggest that agglomeration and low aspect ratio of the conductive nanofiller additive are primarily responsible for the limited conductivity enhancement reported to date. Mapping of the simulation results on the homogenization model, accounting for interfacial resistance, allows us to predict the full potential of the nanocarbon filler addition for thermal conductivity enhancement.