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Building Efficient 3D Networks in Polymer Blends by Controlled Capillary Bridging-Induced Particle Agglomeration.
Lijun Ye1,2, Ying Tao2, Hangchen Cai2
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300354 Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
Polymer Science & Technology (Washington, D.C.)
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Researchers enhanced thermal conductivity in polymer composites by controlling boron nitride (BN) flake distribution. Adjusting cross-linking in polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) blends improved 3D network formation and heat transfer.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Multiphase polymer composites are key for 3D conductive networks.
- Controlling 2D filler distribution (e.g., boron nitride or BN) in immiscible blends is challenging for thermal conductivity.
- Achieving uniform filler networks is crucial for efficient heat transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a strategy for controlling boron nitride (BN) flake distribution in poly-(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends.
- To enhance the thermal conductivity of multiphase polymer composites.
- To investigate the role of polymer blend cross-linking on filler localization and network formation.
Main Methods:
- Regulating the cross-linking degree of LDPE within PLLA/LDPE blends.
- Analyzing the spatial distribution of BN flakes using microscopy and other characterization techniques.
- Measuring the through-plane thermal conductivity of the resulting polymer composites.
Main Results:
- Controlled LDPE cross-linking effectively localized BN flakes within the LDPE phase.
- Double-percolated networks of BN were formed across various blend compositions.
- Suppression of domain coalescence and promotion of BN network formation via capillary bridging were observed.
- Maximum through-plane thermal conductivity increased from 2.02 to 2.58 W m-1 K-1.
Conclusions:
- Cross-linking degree is a critical parameter for tailoring filler distribution in multiphase polymer composites.
- The proposed method provides a facile route to enhance 3D filler network formation for improved thermal conduction.
- This strategy offers significant potential for designing advanced polymer composites with superior thermal management properties.
