Polymer Thermal Conductivity
Conductive polymers, used for polymer thermal conductivity, are gaining more following in the consumer and automotive electronics applications, be it for lower cost or for weight and size reduction purposes. Modified polymers using graphite are particularly suitable for demanding applications that require the materials to be thermally and electrically conductive. Graphitic additives have proven to impart high thermal conductivity without significantly impacting mechanical properties, even when compared to ceramic or other mineral additives at similar addition rates.
As depicted in the graph below:
- In an injection molded part, in-plane thermal conductivity will be higher than through-plane thermal conductivity because of graphite powders’ aspect ratio
- In terms of thermal conductivity, thermally purified expanded graphite is clearly a leader, but it has downsides in processability and strength
- Resilient Carbon appears an interesting engineering material with good combination of strength, conductivity, and ease of processing
- Compared to flake graphite and expanded graphite, Resilient Carbon has less anisotropic structure and thus could potentially contribute to similar conductivity in all directions
Fig. 01
To ensure our carbonaceous materials are of technical quality and purity, Superior Graphite uses its proprietary Electro-Thermal Purification technology, which exposes carbon and graphite materials to temperatures approaching 3,000°C. Resulting material is of high carbon content and virtually free of impurities. Removing volatile gases and select heavy materials creates a highly ordered crystalline structure with exceptional purity, consistent quality, and increased resiliency, lubrication, and thermal and electrical conductivity.
After adding our graphitic materials, polymer thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, resiliency and lubricity of polymers increases.
Fig. 02
