Thermal Conductivity of Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites

As one of the most important field of current nanoscience, the polymer nanocomposites is a promising and efficient way for new generation materials with high performances and multifunctionalities. The incorporating of nanofillers in a polymer matrix may improve mechanical, thermal, electrical or dielectric properties of the composites. The current paper focuses on the thermal conductivity of polymer/carbon nanotube composites. These last, are considered to be ideal candidates for the development of nanocomposite materials. Clarifying the role of the factors, influencing the properties of the composites, enable us to choose the suitable processing method for obtaining the composites and to improve the different properties of these systems. This article reviews the dependence of thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes on the tube size and the effect of interface on the equivalent property. The relationship between the thermal conductivity and the nanostructure of composites are discussed.