Characterisation of graphite nanoplatelets and the physical properties of graphite nanoplatelet/silicone composites for thermal interface applications

Thermally conducting and highly compliant composites were developed by dispersing graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) into a silicone matrix by mechanical mixing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that the average thickness of the GNPs decreased from 60 to 35 nm during mechanical mixing. XRD-texture analysis demonstrated that GNP/silicone composites at 8 wt.% GNPs have a higher degree of basal plane alignment than at 20 wt.%. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that GNPs raised the curing temperature of silicone with no significant effect on the glass transition temperature. The thermal conductivity of the 20 wt.% composites reached 1.909 W/m.K, an 11-fold increase over silicone suggesting an improved dispersion compared to similar composites prepared by dual asymmetric centrifuge mixing. The percolation threshold for electrical conductivity of the composites was at ∼15 wt.%. The compressive modulus of the composite increased to twice that of silicone at 20 wt.%. The corresponding strength decreased by a factor of two compared to silicone and this can be attributed to the weak bonding at the GNP-silicone interface. Overall, these GNP/silicone composites, with a high thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity and compliant nature are promising materials for use as thermal pads for thick gap filling thermal interface applications.