Enhanced thermal conductivity of polymer composites filled with three-dimensional brushlike AlN nanowhiskers

The thermal conductivity of polymer composites was improved by loading three-dimensional (3D) brushlike AlN nanowhiskers fillers synthesized by simple combustion method. Through filling 47 vol % of the synthesized AlN nanowhiskers, the thermal conductivity of the composite was significantly increased to 4.2 W m^-1 K^-1, which was 2.3 times higher than that of the composite filled with the same content of commercial AlN equiaxed particles. According to Agari model analysis and microstructure observation, the thermal conductivity enhancement can be ascribed to the 3D brushlike AlN nanowhiskers promoted the formation of a more effect percolating network in the matrix with lower thermal resistance.