Recent Advances in the Rational Design of Thermal Conductive Polymer Composites

Most polymers possess low thermal conductivity and are therefore limited in thermal management applications. A key solution is to develop highly thermally conductive polymer composites by incorporating fillers into the polymer matrix, which has attracted intensive research efforts. Here we review recent advances in the rational design of thermal conductive polymer composites from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. First, the basic theories of thermal conduction in polymer composites are discussed. Second, special attention is given to the state-of-the-art design strategies that take into account the polymer-additive interface and the preconstruction of composite microstructure. Finally, the existing challenges and opportunities for future research in this field are highlighted.