Mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of aluminum nitride/polyetherimide composites

The mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of modified AlN/polyetherimide (PEI) composites were investigated. It revealed that the surface of AlN modified by silane could effectively increase the adhesion with matrix, which was beneficial for AlN to reinforce the polyetherimide matrix. After silane modification, the AlN showed good dispersion and wetibility in the polyetherimide matrix and imparted excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The tensile strength, modulus, electrical and thermal stability were improved with the increasing of AlN content. The tensile strength of AlN/PEI composites increased by 27% when 12.6 vol.% AlN was added to neat polyetherimide. The thermal conductivity of the 57.4 vol.% AlN/PEI composites increased three times compared with neat polyetherimide. Test results indicate that the silane grafted AlN incorporated into the polyetehetimide matrix effectively enhance the thermal stability, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the polyetherimide composites.