Preparation and properties of polyamide 6 thermal conductive composites reinforced with fibers

• PA6 thermal conductive composites were prepared by twin-screw extruder.
• Carbon fiber and glass fiber were introduced separately to the composites.
• Increasing carbon fiber content increased thermal conductivity of the composites.
• Increasing glass fiber decreased thermal conductivity of the composites slightly.

The majority of inorganic particles-filled thermal conductive composites highlight thermal conductivity in detriment of mechanical properties. In this work, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), alumina (Al2O3) and flake graphite-filed polyamide 6 (PA6) composites prepared by twin-screw extruder, were reinforced with carbon and glass fibers separately. Effects of fiber type and content on thermal conductivity, mechanical properties and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PA6-based composites were investigated. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the composites improved with increasing carbon fiber content, while decreased slightly with glass fiber loading. Furthermore, strength, modulus and HDT of the PA6-based composites increased with the increase of fiber content. The reinforcing effects of the two fibers on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were compared and interpreted in this paper. By incorporating simultaneously high thermal conductive fillers and high-strength fibers, the combined composites hold a good potential in heat dissipation applications.