Thermal nanocomposites

Abstract

Methods for preparing nanocomposites with thermal properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Thermal nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

1 . A method for preparing a thermal nanocomposite comprising:
 providing nanofillers with a domain size equal to or less than the mean free path of phonons;   providing a matrix;   mixing the nanofillers with the matrix below a loading of 80% by volume thereby producing a thermal nanocomposite; and   wherein the nanocomposite has a thermal conductivity that differs by more than 20% as compared with the thermal conductivity exhibited by a composite material of similar composition with filler particles having a domain size of at least one micron.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mixing includes adding a secondary species material selected from the group consisting of: dispersants, binders, modifiers, detergents, and additives. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the loading is heterogeneous. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising depositing the nanocomposite on a substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising applying the nanocomposite as a layer over another substance. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers comprise oxide. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers comprise nitride. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers comprise whiskers. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, barium, bismuth, cadmium, calcium, cerium, cesium, cobalt, copper, europium, gallium, gold, indium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, neodymium, nickel, niobium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, tantalum, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: antimony, boron, bromine, carbon, chlorine, fluorine, germanium, hydrogen, iodine, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, sulfur, and tellurium. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the nanofillers are coated. 
     
     
         12 . A nanocomposite layer prepared using the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A device prepared using the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . A product prepared using the method of  claim 5 .