Acoustic mismatch model for thermal contact resistance of van der Waals contacts

Nanoparticles are typically in contact with another surface through weak van der Waals force. Thermal transport in these nanostructured systems is mainly limited by the contact resistance (Rc). Rc of nanoparticles have been typically calculated using the traditional acoustic or diffuse mismatch models, which assume very strong bond at the interface. In this paper, an analytical model of Rc that accounts for the strength of the interfacial bonding is presented. Conductance/area is proportional to the square of the adhesion energy of the interface for weak bonding and is the same as that given by traditional acoustic mismatch model for strong bonding.