EVALUATION OF BORON NITRIDE NANOBARB AS THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY ENHANCERS TO CNT COMPOSITES

Boron nitride nanobarbs (BNNB) is a new material that is a powder version of Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT). Studies have shown BNNT to be electrically insulating and thermally conductive. BNNT are difficult to incorporate in composite materials due to their tendencies to agglomerate. BNNBs have a shorter nanostructure, which makes them easier to incorporate in epoxy mixtures. This study examines the thermal conductive properties of BNNB in carbon nanotube (CNT) composites. In this study thermally conductive composites were created using various loadings of BNNB in a 0.5 weight percent CNT-Epoxy mixture. The specimens were tested for electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity using two methods. The electrical conductivity data collected concluded that at higher loadings of BNNB, the percolation limit could be reached. The thermal conductivity data from the forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera were inconclusive due to methodology issues; however, the results from the thermocouple data concluded that an increase in BNNB loading lead to an increase in thermal conductivity at a steady state temperature of 50C.Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited