Heat transfer in microcellular polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams

摘要: Abstract We report the heat-transfer characteristics of polystyrene (PS)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite foams with a large expansion ratio (18-fold) and microcellular cell size (5 μm) that have never been achieved before. These PS/MWCNT exhibited excellent thermal insulation performance even without gas. The 5 μm-sized cells in these are small enough to induce Knudsen effect, also lead distinct radiation behavior has reported; is, because unique synergy MWCNTs, short wavelength below is 100% blocked while long over strongly attenuated. made an in-depth analysis heat transfer through using models. Adding 2 wt% MWCNTs into PS matrix, 86% radiative conductivity was effectively blocked, contribution reduced 3.5% total conductivity. However, increased solid due their inherently high So, compromised content 1 wt% added optimize conduction radiation, thereby minimize 32.8 mW/m K.