Enhancing Thermal Performance on the Impact of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement in Nitrile Rubber Composites

Abstract

This investigation explores the thermal conductivity of nitrile rubber-carbon fiber composites, focusing on the effects of varying carbon fiber content from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.% in 1 wt.% increments. The primary objective was to establish the relationship between carbon fiber reinforcement and the resulting thermal conductivity. Experimental results indicated a significant enhancement in thermal conductivity, peaking at 3 wt.% carbon fiber content, where optimal fiber dispersion and interfacial bonding were observed. At this level, the composite exhibited the highest thermal conductivity due to the effective creation of heat transfer pathways within the rubber matrix. However, beyond this optimal concentration, thermal conductivity decreased, with reductions of 16% and 5% noted at 4 wt.% and 5 wt.%, respectively, highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive fiber loading that can lead to agglomeration and disruption of thermal pathways. Morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy confirmed that uniform fiber distribution and strong interfacial bonding are critical for maximizing thermal performance. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing carbon fiber content to balance thermal conductivity and material integrity. The study underscores the potential of nitrile rubber-carbon fiber composites in applications requiring efficient thermal management, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights into composite material design, facilitating the development of advanced materials tailored for high-performance environments where effective heat dissipation is crucial.