THERMAL-CONDUCTIVITY OF A POLYMER COMPOSITE

A prediction equation for thermal conductivity of polymer composites r eported in our previous papers has been revised in terms of two view p oints: (1) estimation of thermal conductivity of a composite using an idea of reduced thermal conductivity; and (2) the effect of ease in fo rming conductive filler chains on thermal conductivity is related to t he CVF value in electric conductivity of the composite. The new equati on was confirmed to be adaptable to thermal conductivities of varietie s of polymer composite systems filled with spherical or irregular fill ers. The equation was also considered to explain thermal conductivity of polymer composites filled with fibers. Further, it was found that t hermal conductivities of fiber composites can be estimated by introduc ing a factor of the CVF value or aspect ratio (L/D) into the new equat ion. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.