Affiliation:
1. Università Telematica Giustino Fortunato Via R. Delcogliano 12 Benevento 82100 Italy
2. Open Laboratory on Experimental Micro and Nano Mechanics Institute of Mechanics Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 4 Sofia 1113 Bulgaria
3. University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” Via Roma 29 Aversa 81031 Italy
4. University of Salerno Via Giovanni Paolo II Fisciano (SA) 84084 Italy
Abstract
AbstractIn light of the ever‐increasing demand for lightweight materials suitable for heat transport applications, many efforts are devoted to enhancing the thermal properties of polymer‐based nanocomposites via nanofillers. In the present study, nanocomposites based on epoxy resin, including 3 wt% of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), are prepared and then thermally characterized. More in detail, it is investigated the temperature increase over time, due to the Joule heating effect, when different voltage values (70, 80, and 90 V) are applied to the specimens. These experimental measures validate a simulation study performed with commercial software (COMSOL Multiphysics®), which allows the investigation of several thermal aspects of the Joule heating. A perfect agreement between experimental and modeling data is found. This means that, in support of experimental activities, modern computational methods can add knowledge in materials science to discover new advanced materials or investigate the existing ones in depth. The present case study examines the potential use of nano‐reinforced polymeric materials for thermal applications involving the Joule effect.