Metal Powder-Filled Polyethylene Composites. V. Thermal Properties

Abstract

Thermal properties—such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat—of metal (copper, zinc, iron, and bronze) powder-filled high-density polyethylene composites are investigated experimentally in the range of filler content 0-24% by volume. Experimental results show a region of low particle content, 0-16% by volume, where the particles are distributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix and do not interact with each other. In this region most of the thermal conductivity models for two-phase systems are applicable. At higher particle content, the filler tends to form agglomerates and conductive chains resulting in a rapid increase in thermal conductivity.