Thermally conductive and self-healable phase change nanocomposites from phenylnaphthalene Monomer, and programmed heat transfer materials derived therefrom for advanced thermal management systems

Phase change materials (PCMs) based on molecular engineering approaches recently stand out in view of large-scale production, mechanical strength, long-term stability, and practical applicability. Beyond, the further endeavors to add some functionalities such as self-healing and high thermal conductivity is considered to have a significant impact. In this regard, a thermally conductive and self-healable phase change polymer network (TPN) and its hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) composites (TPN-BNx) are newly proposed. The fabricated TPN-BNx guarantees outstanding mechanical strength and modulus, and its phase change between solid and rubbery states occurs at a temperature range (30–82 °C) with the enthalpy change (43.6–20.5 J g⁻¹). The phenylnaphthalene (PNP) crystallites in TPN lead to its high thermal conductivity (κ = 0.51W m⁻¹ K⁻¹). The synergetic phonon transfer of PNP crystallites and h-BN particles results in a significant thermal conductivity enhancement up to 3.29W m⁻¹ K⁻¹. Self-healability and recyclability of TPN and TPN-BNx by dynamic bond exchange between thiol and disulfide groups not only accord with a global demand for being eco-friendly, but also create the programmed heat transfer materials with specific heat transfer behaviors. This new approach provides a significant insight in the development of advanced thermal management systems.