Flexible phase change films with enhanced thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity for thermal management

With the continuous miniaturization and integration of electronic devices, electronics needs more advanced thermal management technology and materials to solve thermal failure problem. In this aspect, phase change materials (PCMs) exhibit great prospect in electronic thermal management due to its excellent temperature control properties. However, how to give PCMs high heat transfer performance and flexibility while maintaining low electrical conductivity is still a great challenge. Herein, we designed the alkylated modified carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) into the phase change polyurethane (PCPU) system. Based on the high junction resistance and thermal conductivity properties of mCNTs, PCPU/mCNTs exhibit enhanced thermal conductivities and high electrical resistance. Meanwhile, the phase change segment in polyurethane was used as soft segment, which endows it excellent flexibility, thus achieving effective contact with the applied matrix and conducive to heat transfer. The PCPU/mCNTs films are holding great potential for electronic thermal management.