Thermophysical properties of polyethylene filled with metal coated polyamide particles

A new type of thermally conductive particles based on a polyamide core and a silver shell was prepared and characterized. The particles were employed for the preparation of thermally conductive polymeric composites based on a high density polyethylene matrix. It was shown that silver coated particles significantly improved thermal conductivity of composites despite the low silver volume content. Experimental data were discussed in respect with various theoretical models. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.