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Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and boron nitride (BN) hybrid fillers were dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) through mechanical mixing and blending in an organic solution phase. GNP/BN/TPU nanohybrids with high thermal conductivity were fabricated in two forms, film and fabric. The thermal conductivity of the GNP/BN/TPU composite film employing the hybrid filler with a GNP/BN ratio of 1:1 and a low filler content of 20/80 wt% TPU was significantly enhanced (by 3009%) compared to that of the pure TPU film. The thermal conductivity of a fabric sprayed with the GNP/BN/TPU nanohybrid suspension increased by 196%. Furthermore, a non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-100) was incorporated to enhance the dispersion of the GNPs and BN and facilitate optimal physical interactions in the GNP/BN/TPU nanohybrids, leading to improved nano-dispersion. The thermal conductivity of the GNP/BN/TPU nanohybrids with a hybrid filler-to-dispersant ratio of 10:1 increased by 4494% compared with that of the pure TPU film. The thermal conductivity of the composite fabric increased by 413% compared with that of the original fabric. Following 10 washing cycles, the thermal conductivity of the composite fabric without the dispersant reached a plateau at the fourth washing, whereas that of the composite fabric with Triton X-100 reached a plateau at the seventh wash. The nanocomposite fabrics were applied in smart clothing, where the surface temperature of human skin decreased by 7.8 °C. The developed GNP/BN/TPU nanocomposite fabric has high commercial potential for personal cooling garments (PCGs).
Ciou et al. (Tue,) studied this question.