Role of Cellulose Nanofiber/Boron Nitride Hybrids in the Thermal Conductivity and Dielectric Strength of Liquid-Crystalline Epoxy Resin

In this research, the mesomorphic properties, thermal conductivity, and dielectric strength of a liquid-crystalline epoxy resin with hybrids of cellulose nanofiber and boron nitride nanosheet are studied. The thermal conductivity of LCER with hybrid fillers at a loading of 30 wt% demonstrated approximately 387% of that of the neat LCER and 246% of that of the nanocomposites with single BNNS fillers. The hybrid nanocomposite also demonstrates comparable dielectric strength and greater water contact angles in contrast to nanocomposites with single BNNS fillers. Furthermore, the nanocomposites with hybrid fillers show greater resistance to electrical erosion during the breakdown testing due to the greater thermal conductivity induced by enhanced filler dispersion.