Abstract

Introduction: Two-phase hybrid mode thermal interface materials were created and characterized for mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and wear behaviour. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this current research was to use alkali-treated glass fibre and other allotropes to produce high-performance two-phase thermal interface materials that can be patented for engineering applications.

Method: Three different polymer composites were prepared to contain 20 vol.% alkalies (NaOH) treated e-glass fibre (E) and epoxy as a matrix with varying proportions of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), graphene (G), copper oxide (C). The one-phase material contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%MWCNT (EMGC1), the two-phase hybrid composite contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%MWCNT+1%graphene+1%CuO (EMGC2), and two-phase material contained epoxy+20%e-glass+1%graphene+1%CuO (EMGC3). Vacuum bagging method was used for fabricating the composites.

Result: The higher thermal conductivity observed was 0.3466 W/mK for EMGC2, the alkalitreated glass fibre/hybrid mode nanofillers epoxy matrix composite was mechanically tougher than the other two composites (EMGC1 & EMGC3). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the fine filler dispersion and homogenous interaction with the glass fibre/epoxy resin composite of the upper and lower zone, which also revealed the defective zone, fibre elongation, fibre/filler breakages, and filler leached surfaces.

Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the hybrid mode two-phased structure EMGC2 epoxy matrix composite replicated the maximum thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and wear properties of the other two specimens.

Keywords: Two-phase material, copper oxide nanoparticles, graphene, MWCNT, thermal interface material, ultrasonication.