Strategies for the Integration of Multifunctional Thermal Management Materials: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Engineering

Background:

• High-power electronics and advanced energy systems necessitate thermal management materials with combined functionalities.
• Integrating thermal conductivity with electrical insulation, EMI shielding, and flame retardancy is a key challenge.
• Multifunctional thermal management materials (MTMMs) are crucial for next-generation devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and classify multifunctional thermal management materials (MTMMs).
• To clarify the design logic, functional integration, and applicability of different MTMM systems.
• To provide a perspective on future research directions for advanced thermal management solutions.

Main Methods:

• Classification of MTMMs into passive and stimuli-responsive categories based on functional integration.
• Analysis of material composition, filler design, and structural construction for passive MTMMs.
• Review of stimuli-responsive mechanisms (electric/magnetic fields, light, humidity) for tunable thermal transport.

Main Results:

• Passive MTMMs achieve integrated functions through material design and structure.
• Stimuli-responsive MTMMs offer tunable heat transport and performance via external triggers.
• The classification provides a framework for understanding MTMM design and application.

Conclusions:

• A systematic classification of MTMMs aids in understanding their design principles and applications.
• Future research should focus on recyclable materials, long-term stability, and AI-driven analysis.
• This review offers a roadmap for developing advanced thermal management materials for diverse applications.