POS7-0420
Segregated hBN Networks Enabling Flame-Retardant, Thermally Conductive, and Reprocessable Covalent Adaptable Network Composites
Topic
S7. Innovations in Polymeric Composites: From Design and Processing to Industrial Applications
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
HYUNJU KIM (Pusan National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The rapid development of high-power and highly integrated electronic devices has increased the demand for thermal interface materials (TIMs) with efficient heat dissipation and flame retardancy. Polymer-based TIMs are attractive because of their lightweight nature and processability; however, their low intrinsic thermal conductivity and flammability remain major challenges. Although thermally conductive ceramic fillers are commonly used to improve heat dissipation, randomly dispersed fillers generally require high loadings to form continuous thermal pathways, resulting in inefficient filler utilization and poor processability.
In this study, we propose a composite that simultaneously provides high thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, reprocessability, and filler recoverability. A covalent adaptable network (CAN) was employed as a processable and reprocessable matrix. Dynamic covalent bond exchange imparts network malleability, enabling the formation of a segregated filler network through a simple hot-pressing process.
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) was introduced to construct a segregated network in which hBN is selectively localized along polymer-domain boundaries, forming continuous heat-transfer pathways. This architecture enhances thermal conductivity and improves flame retardancy by acting as a physical barrier that limits oxygen diffusion during combustion. Notably, flame retardancy is achieved without conventional flame-retardant additives. In addition, the CAN matrix promotes protective char formation, while disulfide bonds suppress active radical species through radical-scavenging reactions.
As a result, the hBN/CAN composite exhibits high thermal conductivity and flame retardancy while maintaining reprocessability and enabling hBN recovery, providing a sustainable platform for next-generation TIM applications.
In this study, we propose a composite that simultaneously provides high thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, reprocessability, and filler recoverability. A covalent adaptable network (CAN) was employed as a processable and reprocessable matrix. Dynamic covalent bond exchange imparts network malleability, enabling the formation of a segregated filler network through a simple hot-pressing process.
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) was introduced to construct a segregated network in which hBN is selectively localized along polymer-domain boundaries, forming continuous heat-transfer pathways. This architecture enhances thermal conductivity and improves flame retardancy by acting as a physical barrier that limits oxygen diffusion during combustion. Notably, flame retardancy is achieved without conventional flame-retardant additives. In addition, the CAN matrix promotes protective char formation, while disulfide bonds suppress active radical species through radical-scavenging reactions.
As a result, the hBN/CAN composite exhibits high thermal conductivity and flame retardancy while maintaining reprocessability and enabling hBN recovery, providing a sustainable platform for next-generation TIM applications.
