Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid micelles assisted in situ preparation and enhanced thermoelectric performance of semiconducting polyaniline–zirconium oxide nanocomposites

Herein, we report in situ preparation of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) micelles assisted polyaniline (Pani)/zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanocomposites (Pani/ZrO₂) by using K₂S₂O₈ as an oxidizing agent. Thus prepared nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD and UV–vis spectrophotometry. DBSA acted as dopant/surfactant, and the incorporation of ZrO₂ nanoparticles improved the stability, electrical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. From the results of UV–vis absorbance it was observed that Pani/ZrO₂ nanocomposite was more stabilized under UV light than Pani. DC electrical conductivity retention was studied by isothermal and cyclic ageing techniques and was observed to be better than Pani under ambient environmental conditions.     

Thermal conductivity of polyimide/boron nitride nanocomposite films

The thermal conductivity of polyimide/boron nitride (PI/BN) nanocomposite thin films has been studied for two sizes of BN nanofillers (40 and 120 nm) and for a wide range of content. A strong influence of BN particle size on the thermal conduction of PI has been identified. In the case of the largest nanoparticles (hexagonal‐BN), the thermal conductivity of PI/h‐BN (120 nm) increases from 0.21 W/mK (neat PI) up to 0.56 W/mK for 29.2 vol %. For the smaller nanoparticles (wurtzite‐BN), PI/w‐BN (40 nm), we observed two different behaviors. First, we see a decrease until 0.12 W/mK for 20 vol % before increasing for higher filler content. The initial phenomenon can be explained by the Kapitza theory describing the presence of an interfacial thermal resistance barrier between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. This is induced by the reduction in size of the nanoparticles. Modeling of the experimental results allowed us to determine the Kapitza radius a_K for both PI/h‐BN and PI/w‐BN nanocomposites. Values of a_K of 7 nm and >500 nm have been obtained for PI/h‐BN and PI/w‐BN nanocomposite films, respectively. The value obtained matches the Kapitza theory, particularly for PI/w‐BN, for which the thermal conductivity is expected to decrease compared to that of neat PI. The present work shows that it seems difficult to enhance the thermal conductivity of PI films with BN nanoparticles with a diameter <100 nm due to the presence of high interfacial thermal resistance at the BN/PI interfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42461.     

Morphology and Thermal Stability of Electrically Conducting Nanocomposites Prepared by Sulfosalicylic Acid Micelles Assisted Polymerization of Aniline in Presence of ZrO2 Nanoparticles

Electrically conductive polyaniline (Pani)/zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), HCl and different amounts of ZrO₂ nanoparticles. Pani/ZrO₂ nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The stability of the nanocomposites in terms of DC electrical conductivity retention was also studied in ambient atmosphere by isothermal ageing and cyclic ageing techniques. Pani/ZrO₂ nanocomposites were observed to be more conducting than Pani but showed poorer stability in terms of DC electrical conductivity retention under ambient environmental conditions.     

Facile synthesis,characterization and material properties of a novel poly(vinyl cinnamate)/ nickel oxide nanocomposite

A poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCin) composite was synthesized by a simple one step in situ polymerization of vinyl cinnamate with nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposite were characterized using Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, FT infrared (FTIR) and UV spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements. FT‐Raman, FTIR and UV spectroscopy results revealed the characteristic absorption and shifts of peaks of the polymer matrix, the shifts being attributed to the interaction of NiO nanoparticles with the polymer chains. The structural and morphological analysis using XRD, HRTEM and FESEM showed the uniform arrangement of nanoparticles within the polymer chains. VSM showed the ferromagnetic nature of the composite with an increasing saturation of magnetism. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composite was higher than that of pure PVCin and T_g of the composite increased with increasing nanoparticle content. The electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite was studied from AC and DC conductivity measurements. AC and dielectric properties were markedly enhanced in the whole range of frequency due to the presence of NiO nanoparticles. DC conductivity of the nanocomposite was much higher than that of PVCin and the conductivity of the nanocomposite increased with increasing content of NiO nanoparticles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Multifunctional bionanocomposites with ultraviolet blocking,infrared reflection and thermal conductivity

The objective of this paper is investigating the effect of different localizations of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles in the poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends on the ultraviolet (UV) blocking, infrared reflection (NIR), and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites for the fabrication of bionanocomposites with high performance. Transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated that the different mixing sequences induced different nanoparticle localization in the immiscible PCL/PLA blend. These different localizations yielded differences in the properties of the hybrid quaternary nanocomposite. When the nanoparticles had different localizations, TiO₂ at the interface and hBN in the PCL phase, the thermal conductivity was 0.86 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹, 100% of UV radiation (λ = 300 nm) was blocked and 74% of NIR radiation was reflected. This nanocomposite has a strong potential for application as a multifunctional biodegradable film for agriculture, capable of absorbing UV radiation, reflecting NIR radiation, and conducting thermal energy.     

Low dielectric and high thermal conductivity epoxy nanocomposites filled with NH2‐POSS/n‐BN hybrid fillers

Hybrid fillers of mono‐amine polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/nanosized boron nitride (NH₂‐POSS/n‐BN) were performed to fabricate NH₂‐POSS/n‐BN/epoxy nanocomposites. Results revealed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss values were decreased with the increasing addition of NH₂‐POSS obviously, but increased with the increasing addition of BN fillers. For a given loading of NH₂‐POSS (5 wt %), the thermal conductivities of NH₂‐POSS/n‐BN/epoxy nanocomposites were improved with the increasing addition of n‐BN fillers, and the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites was 1.28 W/mK with 20 wt % n‐BN fillers. Meantime, the thermal stability of the NH₂‐POSS/n‐BN/epoxy nanocomposites was also increased with the increasing addition of n‐BN fillers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41951.     

Noncovalent functionalization of boron nitride and its effect on the thermal conductivity of polycarbonate composites

Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent insulation and mechanical properties. However, the low thermal conductivity restricted its application in electronic devices. Hexagonal boron nitride (h ‐BN) microparticle, a promising material with high thermal conductivity, was functionalized with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and introduced into PC matrix to improve the thermal conductivity. SEM and XRD analysis showed that the modified BN (CBN) particles oriented and formed thermal conductive pathways within PC matrix. The formation of large‐area oriented CBN significantly improved the thermal conductivity and thermal stability of composites. At 20 wt % CBN loading, the thermal conductivity of 0.7341 Wm^?1 K^?1 and the temperature for 5% weight loss (T ₅) of 498.6 °C were obtained, which was 3.1 times and 77 °C higher than that of pure PC, respectively. Furthermore, outstanding electrical insulation property of matrix was retained in the composites. These results revealed that PC/CBN composite was a promising material for thermal management and electrical enclosure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44978.     

A facile synthesis of a novel three‐phase nanocomposite: Single‐wall carbon nanotube/silver nanohybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline

A three‐phase water‐soluble nanocomposite of single wall carbon nanotube/silver nanoparticle hybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline has been synthesized by a simple chemical solution mixing process. The nanocomposite has been characterized by high resolution electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Optical and electrical characteristics of the nanocomposite have been determined by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and four‐probe electrical conductivity measurement. A surface plasmon absorption band obtained around 460 nm indicates the presence of silver nanoparticles in the composite. The optical band gap calculation for sulfonated polyaniline vis‐a‐vis the nanocomposite supported the conductivity measurement. Over 1300 times increase in DC electrical conductivity has been observed for the three‐phase nanocomposite, with a filler loading of 20 wt %, at 306 K. This observation could be explained by Mott's variable range hopping model considering a three‐dimensional conduction. Such a nanocomposite has immense potential for use as a cathode material in lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41692.     

Preparation and properties of thermally conductive photosensitive polyimide/boron nitride nanocomposites

A new thermally conductive photoresist was developed. It was based on a dispersion of boron nitride (BN) nanoflakes in a negative‐tone photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) precursor. 3‐Mercaptopropionic acid was used as the surfactant to modify the BN nanoflake surface for the dispersion of BN nanoflakes in the polymer. The thermal conductivity of the composite films increased with increasing BN fraction. The thermal conductivity of the PSPI/BN nanocomposite was up to 0.47 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for a mixture containing 30 wt % nanosized BN filler in the polyimide matrix. Patterns with a resolution of 30 μm were obtained from the PSPI/BN nanocomposites. The PSPI/BN nanocomposites had excellent thermal properties. Their glass‐transition temperatures were above 360°C, and the thermal decomposition temperatures were over 460°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Thermal properties and formation mechanism of h‐BN nanoneedles synthesized via carbothermic reduction reaction

Hexagonal boron nitride (BN) was synthesized through the carbothermic reduction reaction (CRR) of boric acid using lactose as a carbon source under the nitrogen atmosphere at 1500^°C for 3 hours. The boron/carbon (B/C) molar ratio was controlled during the CRR, and the produced samples were investigated by XRD diffraction pattern, FTIR analysis, and Raman spectra. Boron carbide (B₄C) was formed in samples that have a higher carbon content, in addition to boron nitride. While boron nitride pure sample was produced from lower carbon content samples. Formation of B₄C was found to depend on the B/C molar ratio. The morphology of the produced powder was also investigated by SEM and TEM, which revealed that the samples consist of nanoneedles of BN and hexagonal particles of B₄C. The vapor‐solid (VS) reaction mechanism was processed greatly with increasing boron amount, producing boron nitride nanoneedles, which compete with the liquid‐solid (LS) reaction mechanism. The physicochemical properties of the produced samples were studied by DTA, UV, PL, and AC impedance measurements, and revealed that the samples are promising to many proper applications.     

Preparation of epoxy composites with CTAB‐modified BN and MWCNTs

In this study, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and boron nitride (BN) were functionalized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at both pH 5.5 and pH 11. These MWCNT‐CTAB and BN‐CTAB particles used to prepare the composites were dispersed in a bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐type epoxy resin (ER) system at room temperature. The TGA analysis showed that the BN composite can significantly improve the thermal stability of neat ER at temperatures above 400 °C. The curing degrees of the nanocomposites were calculated to be approximately the same values as neat ER using the Beer–Lambert law from FTIR spectra. The best electrical conductivity of the composites obtained was 3.10 × 10⁻³ S/cm for ER/MWCNT‐CTAB (pH 5.5). The surface hardness, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of the composites were examined. The surface hardness values of the ER/MWCNT‐CTAB composites were higher than those of the other composites. The composite morphology was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3423–3432, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation,characterization, and thermal properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/boron nitride composites by bulk polymerization

Poly (methyl methacrylate)/boron nitride (PMMA/BN) composites were prepared by dispersing BN particles into methyl methacrylate monomer phase by bulk polymerization method. BN particles modified with silane coupling agent, γ‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Effects of modified BN particle content on thermal conductivity were investigated, and the experimental values were compared with those of theoretical and empirical models. With 16 wt% of BN particles, the thermal conductivity of the composite was 0.53 W/(m·K), 1.8 times higher than that of pure PMMA. The microstructures of the PMMA/BN composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis traces also corroborated the confinement of the polymer in an inorganic layer by exhibiting an increase in glass‐transition temperatures and weight loss temperatures in the thermogram. Mechanical properties and electrical insulation property of the PMMA/BN composites were also determined. These results showed that PMMA/BN composites may offer new technology and business opportunities. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1675–1684, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Investigation on mechanochemical synthesis of Al2O3/BN nanocomposite by aluminothermic reaction

Alpha-alumina–boron nitride (α-Al₂O₃–BN) nanocomposite was synthesized using mixtures of aluminum nitride, boron oxide and pure aluminum as raw materials via mechanochemical process under a low pressure of nitrogen gas (0.5 MPa). The phase transformation and structural evaluation during mechanochemical process were investigated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The results indicated that high exothermic reaction of Al–B₂O₃ systems under the nitrogen pressure produced alumina, aluminum nitride (AlN), and aluminum oxynitride (Al₅O₆N) depending on the Al value and milling time, but no trace of boron nitride (BN) phases could be identified. On the other hand, AlN addition as a solid nitrogen source was effective in fabricating in-situ BN phase after 4 h milling process. In Al–B₂O₃–AlN system, the aluminothermic reaction provided sufficient heat for activating reaction between B₂O₃ and AlN to form BN compound. DTA analysis results showed that by increasing the activation time to 3 h, the temperature of both thermite and synthesis reactions significantly decreased and occurred as a one-step reaction. SEM and TEM observations confirmed that the range of particle size was within 100 nm.     

Enhanced thermal conductivity of PE/BN composites through controlling crystallization behavior of PE matrix

In this article, in order to enhance the thermal conductivity of the polyethylene (PE)/boron nitride (BN) composites through controlling the crystallization behavior of the PE matrix, the crystallization and melting behavior of the PE in the PE/BN composites was investigated. When the BN content was more than 10 wt%, an extra weak exothermic peak (T _h) at 130°C was observed. Moreover, after the annealing of the PE/BN composites at 130°C, the extra weak melting peaks (T _mh) of the PE in the PE/BN composites were also observed and shifted to the high temperature with increasing annealing time, which proved that the T _h was induced by PE crystallization. Meanwhile, the results of temperature‐dependent absorbance IR spectra of the PE/BN composites showed that the crystallization peak (729 cm⁻¹) remarkably appeared at 130.2°C, indicating that the crystallization of the PE in the PE/BN composites can occur at 130.2°C. When the annealing time and temperature were 20 min and 130°C, the thermal conductivity of the PE/BN composite was 16% higher than that of the unannealed PE/BN composites. In addition, the results of the wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the BN particles had no influence on the PE crystalline form in the PE/BN composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2806–2813, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Dopant‐induced microstructural,optical, and electrical properties of TiO2/PVA composite

The optical, electrical, and microstructurtal properties of pure and TiO₂/Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite polymer films were carried out using FTIR, XRD, UV‐Visible, DC electrical conductivity, and Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) techniques. The FTIR study reveals that the Ti⁺ ions of TiO₂ interacts with the OH groups of PVA via intra/inter molecular hydrogen bonding and forms charge transfer complex (CTC). These formed CTC will affect the optical property of the composite film, which is reflected from UV‐Visible study. Using the observed UV–Visible spectra, optical energy band gap is estimated and its value decreases with increasing dopant concentration. The positron annihilation studies show that the considerable effect on free volume related microstructure of the PVA due to doping and complex formation. These microstructural modifications are also enhances PVA crystallinity which is reflected from XRD studies. It is also observed that the TiO₂ particle forms cluster within the PVA due to the aggregation of particles and these particle cluster size increases with dopant concentration. These microstructural variations due to doping affects the DC electrical conductivity and its variations are understood based on the intra chain one‐dimensional interpolaron hopping conduction mechanism. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:987–997, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polyaniline‐functionalized magnetic mesoporous nanocomposite: A smart material for the immobilization of lipase

Magnetically separable mesoporous silica nanocomposites with polyoaniline functionalization (Pani‐MS@Fe₃O₄) were synthesized for the immobilization of lipase via electrostatic adsorption. The as‐prepared Pani‐MS@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites as well as immobilized lipase were characterized by FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, BET, and TGA techniques. The BET surface area was calculated to be 779.27 m²/g, 425 m²/g, and 230.45 m²/g for magnetic mesoporous nanoparticle (MS@Fe₃O₄), Pani‐MS@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite, and lipase immobilized Pani‐MS@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite respectively. The comparison experiments verified that the immobilized lipase exhibited slightly higher optimal pH and temperature value with a wider pH‐activity and temperature stability in comparison with the free lipase. From Michaelis–Menten kinetic study, the lower K_m value (0.25 mM) and higher V_max value (0.0341 mM/min) for the immobilized lipase revealed the higher affinity of immobilized lipase toward the substrate. Further, reusability studies of the immobilized lipase indicated that up to 70% of the original activity was retained after having been recycled seven times. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1152–1160, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of hybrid MoS2/h‐BN polyurethane nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and hybrid MoS₂/h‐BN nanofillers with different wt % in elastomeric polyurethane (PU) were studied with respect to their microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties. Tensile tests showed increases up to 80% in Young`s modulus for both h‐BN and hybrid MoS₂/h‐BN composites. These results agree with dynamic mechanical analysis tests, which confirm an increase of up to 106% in storage modulus for hybrid MoS₂/h‐BN with 0.5 wt % content. When the hybrid MoS₂/h‐BN nanofillers were incorporated into the polymeric matrix, increases up to 102% in crosslink density were observed, indicating that strong interactions between the hybrid nanofillers and PU were established. However, the most important synergistic effect between the mixture of MoS₂ and h‐BN nanoadditives was the increase of up to 752% in thermal conductivity with respect to neat polymer. Therefore, hybrid composites based in two‐dimensional MoS₂/h‐BN nanofillers with multifunctional attributes can be applied in advanced polymeric materials that require high mechanical and thermal performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46560.     

Preparation,characterization, and dynamic adsorption–desorption studies on polypyrrole encapsulated TiO2 nanoparticles

Binary doped polypyrrole (PPy) encapsulated Titania (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared by oxidative polymerization using FeCl₃ as oxidant in presence of camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) as surfactant. Both FeCl₃ (oxidant) and camphorsulfonic acid (surfactant) also act as dopant and hence thus prepared polypyrrole/Titania (TiO₂@PPy) is termed as binary doped nanocomposite i.e. FeCl₃ dopes polypyrrole by oxidation mechanism while camphorsulfonic acid dopes polypyrrole by protonic doping mechanism. The TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and inductance‐capacitance‐resistance (LCR) measurements. The results indicated that the structural and electrical properties of the TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the extent of TiO₂ nanoparticles loading of polypyrrole. The direct current (DC) electrical conductivity of the as‐prepared TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites was higher than that of PPy. As‐prepared TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were also studied for their dielectric losses for alternating current (AC) which is useful characteristic for their application in the fabrication of charge storing devices. TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites showed synergistic effect of combining components in improving their alcohol sensing properties. This improvement may be attributed to the adsorption on and desorption from alcohols TiO₂@PPy interface of the nanocomposites and alcohol vapors causing decrease in depletion region. The TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were observed to show better reproducibility of electrical conductivity and fast self‐recovery during the alcohol vapor sensing process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43411.     

Room temperature preparation,electrical conductivity,and thermal behavior evaluation on silver nanoparticle embedded polyaniline tungstophosphate nanocomposite

An advanced nanocomposite, polyaniline tungstophosphate (PANI‐WP) cation exchanger, was synthesized by simple solution method and treated with silver nitrate resulting silver embedded PANI‐WP (PANI‐WP/Ag). Spectroscopic characterization of PANI‐WP/Ag was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐Visible spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Electrical conductivity measurements and thermal effect on conductivity of PANI‐WP/Ag was studied after acid treatment. The dc electrical conductivity was found 3.06 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ for HCl doped, measured by 4‐in line‐probe dc electrical conductivity measuring technique. Thermal conductivity is stable with all temperatures in isothermal studies showing excellent stability of PANI‐WP/Ag material. Hybrid showed better linear Arrhenius electric conducting response for semiconductors, stable upto 120°C. It was observed that conductivity is at the border of metallic and semiconductor region. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2460–2466, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of nanoparticles on the performance of thermally conductive epoxy adhesives

Microsized or nanosized α‐alumina (Al₂O₃) and boron nitride (BN) were effectively treated by silanes or diisocyanate, and then filled into the epoxy to prepare thermally conductive adhesives. The effects of surface modification and particle size on the performance of thermally conductive epoxy adhesives were investigated. It was revealed that epoxy adhesives filled with nanosized particles performed higher thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength than those filled with microsized ones. It was also indicated that surface modification of the particles was beneficial for improving thermal conductivity of the epoxy composites, which was due to the decrease of thermal contact resistance of the filler‐matrix through the improvement of the interface between filler and matrix by surface treatment. A synergic effect was found when epoxy adhesives were filled with combination of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles and microsized BN platelets, that is, the thermal conductivity was higher than that of any sole particles filled epoxy composites at a constant loading content. The heat conductive mechanism was proposed that conductive networks easily formed among nano‐Al₂O₃ particles and micro‐BN platelets and the thermal resistance decreased due to the contact between the nano‐Al₂O₃ and BN, which resulted in improving the thermal conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1809–1819, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers