Conductive polymer composite
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer composites lack high thermal conductivity and effective infrared absorption for applications like solar thermal collectors, limiting their efficiency and ease of handling compared to metal counterparts.
Innovation Solution
A composite comprising a polymer matrix with dispersed graphene and thermally conductive inorganic fillers, particularly aluminum nitride, enhances thermal conductivity and infrared absorption, utilizing a blend of graphene and aluminum nitride within a polymer matrix to create a scaffold structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal parts are used for thermal collectors, then thermal conductivity is sufficient, but weight is high and handling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix combined with thermally conductive fillers (graphite flakes and/or aluminum nitride particles) to create a material that achieves sufficient thermal conductivity while maintaining the lightweight advantage of polymers. This composite approach allows the material to overcome the inherent low thermal conductivity of polymers while retaining their weight benefits.
2Weight of moving object
If polymer composites with filler materials are used, then weight is reduced, but thermal conductivity is insufficient for efficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters including the size, shape, and distribution of filler particles, as well as the polymer matrix composition and processing conditions. By controlling particle size distributions and aspect ratios of graphite flakes and aluminum nitride particles, the patent achieves enhanced thermal conductivity while maintaining lightweight properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with specific combinations of polymer matrices and thermally conductive fillers (graphite and/or aluminum nitride) to achieve the desired balance between weight reduction and thermal conductivity enhancement for solar thermal collector applications.
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 composite achieves high thermal conductivity and improved infrared absorption, making it suitable for efficient solar thermal collectors and heat exchangers, offering a lightweight and effective alternative to metal parts.
Implementation Method 1
Graphitic forms of carbon, such as graphite and graphene, possess high thermal conductivities. The filler material dispersed within the polymer matrix may be carefully selected to ensure efficient and effective infra-red absorption and/or thermal conduction.
Implementation Method 2
the group 13 nitride particles associate with the graphene flakes, forming a scaffold in which the particles of group 13 nitride are situated between flakes of graphene
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composite comprising a polymer matrix, graphene and at least one thermally conductive inorganic filler, wherein the graphene and the at least one thermally conductive inorganic filler are dispersed within the polymer matrix. The composites have high thermal conductivities and are particularly useful in solar thermal collectors and other heat exchangers.