Preparation and performance evaluation of graphene-based waterborne thermal conductive coatings

Thermal management of electronic products and communication equipment is a key bottleneck restricting the integration of products, and high-performance thermal management materials are an effective means to solve this problem. In this study, graphene prepared by liquid phase exfoliation was used as a functional additive material to successfully prepare a graphene high-thermal-conductivity coating material on stainless steel substrates for enhanced cooling performance. The research found that the thermal conductivity of different coating materials with different graphene contents significantly varies, and when the graphene content is 15 %, the thermal conductivity can reach as high as 9.499 W/(m·K), which can rapidly achieve heat dissipation. Considering the actual working conditions of the thermal coating, the comprehensive performance of the coating was tested, and it has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent temperature cycling resistance. Under experimental conditions, after adding the thermal coating to the stainless steel substrate, its cooling effect significantly improved. Compared with uncoated blank samples, the maximum temperature difference during heat transfer under room temperature can reach 11 °C, and the maximum temperature difference under −80 °C can reach 19 °C. This study's coating has potential application prospects in the field of thermal management.