Preparation and Thermal Conductivity of Nickel Fiber (Powder)/Silicone Rubber Composites Induced by Magnetic Field

Silicone rubber composites filled with Ni powder (fiber) were successfully prepared, and the effect of fillers and magnetic field on the thermal conductivity of composite was investigated. The results showed that with the increasing of volume content of fillers, the thermal conductivity of composite increases. The Maxwell model and Cheng-Vachon equation were used to predict the thermal conductivity to explain the effect of Ni powder (fiber) fillers on the formation of thermal conductive networks. The SEM results indicated that aligned linetypelike structure had formed under magnetic field. Therefore, the presence of magnetic field during curing process could significantly enhance the thermal conductivity of composite.