Thermal transfer improvement in polyvinyl alcohol films by mixing with boron nitride nanotubes synthesized using a radio-frequency inductively coupled thermal plasma

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films were fabricated to enhance heat transfer capabilities. The incorporation of just 1 wt% of BNNTs into PVA resulted in a remarkable six-fold improvement in heat transfer properties. The BNNTs used in the composite films were synthesized using a thermal plasma method, exhibiting high aspect ratio with diameters ranging from 3 nm to 6 nm. The BNNTs improved the formation of heat transfer networks throughout the PVA films, resulting in enhanced heat transfer properties as compared to both pure PVA and BN nano-powder/PVA composite films. In addition, the addition of BNNTs did not adversely affect the mechanical properties of the BNNTs/PVA composite film such as durability and mechanical strength.