Surface-Modified Boron Nitride for Polymer Composite Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boron nitride (BN) particles with a platelet morphology cause high viscosities and filler separation issues in polymer composites, making it difficult to dispense and use in applications like automotive and electronics, and are prone to degradation in humid conditions.
Innovation Solution
Surface treatment of BN particles with an organosilicon compound, specifically a silazane, to create a coating layer that enhances their dispersion and hydrophobicity, improving rheological properties and thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hBN particles with platelet morphology are used as filler in polymer composites, then thermal conductivity is improved, but viscosity increases significantly and filler separation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface treatment to hBN particles using silane coupling agents and other surface modifiers to change the surface parameters of the particles. This treatment reduces particle aggregation and improves interfacial compatibility with the polymer matrix, thereby reducing composite viscosity while maintaining the inherent thermal conductivity of hBN particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by coating hBN particles with organic surface treatments and coupling agents. This composite approach modifies the surface properties of hBN particles to reduce inter-particle friction and aggregation, solving the viscosity problem while preserving the thermal conductivity benefit of the core hBN structure
2Temperature
If high loading concentrations of BN particles are used to improve thermal conductivity, then thermal performance increases, but viscosity becomes too high for dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
Surface treatment of BN particles with coupling agents and organic modifiers changes the surface energy and wetting properties, allowing higher particle loadings to be achieved without excessive viscosity increase. The treated particles disperse more uniformly in the polymer matrix, maintaining dispensability at high thermal conductivity loadings
3Temperature
If hBN particles are used in humid conditions, then thermal management is provided, but particle degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface treatment layers as intermediary protective barriers between the hBN particles and the humid environment. These surface coatings act as mediators that prevent direct contact between moisture and the hBN particle surfaces, thereby protecting against degradation while allowing the particles to continue providing thermal management functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The surface-functionalized BN particles exhibit reduced viscosity and improved processability in polymer composites, allowing for higher loading concentrations with enhanced thermal conductivity and resistance to humid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the boron nitride powder having its surface treated with at least an organosilicon compound
Implementation Method 2
BN powder is known to degrade in humid conditions. It may therefore be useful to treat BN powders to render it more hydrophobic
Data Source
AI summary
A boron nitride composition having its surface treated with a coating layer comprising at least an organosilicon compound. In one embodiment, the boron nitride powder surface is first treated by either a calcination process, or by coating with at least an inorganic compound for the surface to have a plurality of reactive sites containing at least a functional group that is reactive to at least one functional group of the organosilicon compound.