Effective Thermal Conductivity of Yttria Stabilised Zirconia Filled Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Particulate filled polymer composites have enhanced thermal, mechanical properties as compared to the neat epoxy polymer. This project exhibits an increment in the thermal conductivity due to the addition of particulate filler. A mathematical expression for the spherical and also cubic fillers, distributed uniformly in the epoxy matrix is developed to evaluate theoretical thermal conductivity of the polymer composites. Yttria stabilised zirconia is used as a filler material in various proportions. The resultant composite is of enhanced thermal conductivity in comparison with pure epoxy matrix. Unit herm TM Model 2022 tester is used to experimentally determine the thermal conductivity of the composite fabricated. Hand lay-up technique is used to fabricate yttria stabilised zirconia-epoxy composite. Experimental and theoretical results are compared and the reason behind this difference is also discussed. Currently, various applications of particulate filled composites are also studied. Future scope and various other influencing properties of the composites were discussed in short. It is discovered that particulate filled polymer composites can be used in micro-electronic circuit.