Linear Assembles of BN Nanosheets, Fabricated in Polymer/BN Nanosheet Composite Film

Abstract

Linear assembles of BN nanosheets (LABNs) were fabricated in polysiloxane/BN nanosheet composite film under a high DC electric field. The hexagonal BN nanosheets were dispersed by sonication in a prepolymer mixture of polysiloxane followed by a high-speed mixing. The homogeneous suspension was cast on a spacer of microscale thickness and applied to a high DC electric field before it became cross-linked. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and digital microscopy revealed that LABNs formed in the polysiloxane matrix and that the BN nanosheets in the LABNs were aligned perpendicular to the film plane with high anisotropy. This is the first time that linear assemblies of nanosheets have been fabricated in an organic-inorganic hybrid film by applying a DC electric field. The enhanced thermal conductivity of the composite film is attributed to the LABNs. The LABN formation and heat conduction mechanisms are discussed. The polysiloxane/BN nanosheet composite film has the potential to be used semiconductor applications that require both a high thermal conductivity and a high electric insulation.