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  4. MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPOSITES OF HEXAGONAL BORON NITRIDE FOR THERMAL SWITCH, LUNAR HEAT DISSIPATION, AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE ENERGY STORAGE

MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPOSITES OF HEXAGONAL BORON NITRIDE FOR THERMAL SWITCH, LUNAR HEAT DISSIPATION, AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE ENERGY STORAGE

File(s)
Wu_cornell_0058O_12369.pdf (5.68 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/ad9w-6g03
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/117401
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Wu, Yu-Han
Abstract

Thermal management is a critical challenge in electronics, aerospace, energy storage, and automotive applications, where inadequate heat dissipation can lead to overheating and reduced reliability. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)-based polymer nanocomposites offer a promising solution due to their exceptional thermal properties. This thesis focuses on developing multifunctional h-BN composites for thermal switching, high-voltage insulation, and thermochemical energy storage, characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Laser Flash Analysis (LFA), and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA). Thermal interface materials (TIMs) incorporating mixed-size h-BN particles (5 µm + 30 µm) achieved an optimal 40 wt% composition, reaching a thermal conductivity of 1.157 W/m·K. While higher h-BN content reduced thermal expansion (270.6 ppm/°C), adjusting the TIM’s thickness ensured stable thermal switching over multiple cycles, making these materials suitable for battery thermal management and power electronics. Additionally, incorporating h-BN, silver, and multi-walled carbon nanotube fillers into polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrices enhanced thermal dissipation while maintaining high-voltage insulation. A 30% CNT (3-layer) composite achieved a thermal conductivity of 1.05 W/m·K, demonstrating potential for lunar power transmission. Furthermore, metal hydride composites with h-BN were fabricated for thermochemical energy storage, though alternative characterization methods are needed due to LFA limitations. These findings provide valuable insights into the scalable development of multifunctional h-BN composites for extreme environments.

Description
73 pages
Date Issued
2025-05
Keywords
Composite
•
Hexagonal Boron Nitride
•
Polytetrafluoroethylene
•
Silicone Elastomer
•
Thermal Conductivity
•
Thermal Interface Material
Committee Chair
Tian, Zhiting
Committee Member
Zhang, Lenan
Degree Discipline
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree Name
M.S., Materials Science and Engineering
Degree Level
Master of Science
Type
dissertation or thesis
Link(s) to Catalog Record
https://newcatalog.library.cornell.edu/catalog/16938453

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