Thermal conductivity model of filled polymer composites

Theoretical and empirical models for predicting the thermal conductivity of polymer composites were summarized since the 1920s. The effects of particle shape, filler amount, dispersion state of fillers, and interfacial thermal barrier on the thermal conductivity of filled polymer composites were investigated, and the agreement of experimental data with theoretical models in literatures was discussed. Silica with high thermal conductivity was chosen to mix with polyvinyl-acetate (EVA) copolymer to prepare SiO₂/EVA co-films. Experimental data of the co-films’ thermal conductivity were compared with some classical theoretical and empirical models. The results show that Agari’s model, the mixed model, and the percolation model can predict well the thermal conductivity of SiO₂/EVA co-films.