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3D X-Ray Tomography-Driven Descriptor Framework for Predicting Thermal Conductivity of Polymer Composites
Hyosung An1, Woojin Roh1, Chaeseong Na2
1Department of Petrochemical Materials Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59631, Republic of Korea.
Small Methods
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Optimizing thermal conductivity in polymer composites requires understanding microstructure. This study uses 3D X-ray tomography to reveal how particle networks and polymer pathways control heat transport, enabling better thermal interface material design.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Polymer composites are crucial thermal interface materials (TIMs).
- Thermal conductivity in these composites often fails to scale linearly with filler loading.
- Structural factors influencing heat transport remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key microstructural descriptors governing heat transport in alumina-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites.
- To develop a predictive model for optimizing thermal conductivity based on these descriptors.
- To establish quantitative design rules for advanced TIMs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D X-ray tomography for high-resolution imaging of composite microstructures.
- Employed quantitative morphometry, including local thickness analysis and tortuosity mapping.
- Developed a predictive model integrating filler fraction, surface-to-volume ratio, and tortuosity.
Main Results:
- Identified thin polymer ligaments as critical for continuous heat pathways.
- Demonstrated that particle clustering and high interfacial density can impede thermal transport.
- An optimized 80.3 vol% alumina composite formulation outperformed a higher loading (82.5 vol%) composite.
Conclusions:
- Local polymer thickness is a key geometric factor linking microstructure to thermal transport.
- A tomography-derived framework provides quantitative design rules for engineering TIMs.
- This approach enables rational microstructure design for enhanced thermal management in composites.
