Synthesis, Mechanical, Thermal, And Electrical Characterization Of Graphite-Epoxy Composites

Herein, we present a simple procedure for fabricating epoxy/graphite composites using a simple solution blending method. The addition of graphite filler in the epoxy matrix showed a beneficial effect on mechanical properties by enhancing Young's modulus up to 55.25% of its value. The highest thermal conductivity was obtained to be 1.53 +/- 0.07 W center dot m(-1)center dot K-1, which depicts a fourfold increment as compared to the neat matrix. The effective thermal conductivity has been predicted using Nan model, which shows a satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. Besides, the investigated composites display enhanced electrical conductivity; this evolution of electrical conductivity as a function of filler volume fraction is well described using percolation theory. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to determine the thermal properties of the composites as a function of filler volume fraction. These findings indicate that the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of epoxy/graphite composites could be ideal for thermal management and control of heat transfer devices.