Improving the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites by increasing the length efficiency of loading carbon nanotubes

Since long and slender carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are usually self-entangled, we propose a factor, length efficiency, in this study to analyze the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites with CNT loading. Theoretical analysis reveals that an appropriate length distribution of CNTs could improve their length efficiency and more effectively enhance the thermal conductivity of the composites. This theory was supported by the experimental results of glycerin or silicone composites with modified CNT loading. Results also indicated that when length efficiency was taken into account, interfacial resistance effect would be less serious.