Synergistic effect of phase structures and in situ sintering of silver fillers on thermal conductivity of epoxy/polyethersulphone/silver filler composites

The thermal conductivity of the diglycidyl ethers bisphenol-A (DGEBA)/4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM)/polyethersulphone (PES)/silver (Ag) filler composites has been investigated. DGEBA/DDM/PES blend as matrix for polymer formed co-continuous phase structures at micrometer scale via reaction-induced separation during curing process. Ag fillers were selectively localized in epoxy-rich phases, and consequently experienced more opportunities contact within narrow self-assembled templates. As result, sintering occurred surface curing, especially post-curing process 180 °C. Curve-fitting data using an extended Bruggemann's equation clarified differences situ two temperatures. synergistic effect matrices accounted enhanced conductivities composites.