Angle-resolved In-Plane Thermal Anisotropy of Semi-Crystalline Polyethylene Films using Transient Grating

ORAL

Abstract

Crystalline polymers are of keen interest due to their potential as low density thermal conductors. However, obtaining measurements of in-plane thermal conductivity and anisotropy needed to inform synthesis strategies remains challenging. Here, we report measurements of the in-plane thermal anisotropy of semi-crystalline polyethylene films using transient grating (TG) spectroscopy. Our measurements indicate a marked in-plane thermal anisotropy of around 50 in solution-processed aligned polyethylene films and an unusual angle-dependent thermal conductivity in biaxially stretched films. Our results provide insight into the microstructure and thermal transport properties of molecular thermal conductors that can be used to realize molecular solids with exceptionally high thermal conductivity.

Presenters

  • Andrew Robbins

    Materials Science, California Institute of Technology

Authors

  • Andrew Robbins

    Materials Science, California Institute of Technology

  • Austin Minnich

    California Institute of Technology, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Caltech, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Caltech