Effect of Ethoxy functionalized hexagonal boron nitride on h‐BN/TPU thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposite and its thermal properties

Abstract This study investigates the thermal and electrical properties of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites embedded with hexagonal‐Boron Nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets. The ethoxy functionalization of the h‐BN, on account of the interaction between the ethanol and h‐BN, led to the exfoliation of the nanosheets at low amounts of loading and had a direct impact on the thermal conductivity of the m‐BN/TPU nanocomposites. The modified BN (m‐BN) was studied using FTIR, TGA, and XPS to verify the interaction between ethanol and h‐BN. The m‐BN/TPU nanocomposites exhibited enhanced thermal stability and reduced IR emissivity. The electrical resistivity was measured using an electrometer and then further measured with the LCR meter. The composite loaded with 50 wt.% m‐BN loading presented a thermal conductivity of 0.62 Wm −1 K −1 , 443% higher and an electrical resistivity of 94% higher than neat TPU. These results showed that m‐BN/TPU composites may find various applications for flexible microelectronic industry as a futuristic material. Highlights A facile one‐step ethoxy modification on boron nitride nanosheets. Improvement in the m‐BN nanosheets dispersion in TPU matrix due to ethoxy functionalization. Enhanced thermal conductivity by 443% of TPU nanocomposites because of established thermally conductive pathways. Minimal change in the IR emissivity of m‐BN/TPU nanocomposite at 50% wt. loading.