Scalable fabrication of high-enthalpy polyethylene/carbon nanotubes/ paraffin wax nanocomposite with flexibility and superhydrophobicity for efficient thermal management

The fabrication and adaptability of a phase change composite severely restricts its further promotion and application in the fields with complex requirements. Herein, a synergistic strategy combining melt mixing, salt template and vacuum impregnation was proposed for the scalable fabrication of polyethylene/carbon nanotubes/paraffin wax (PCP) nanocomposite with high enthalpy and sufficient flexibility. Benefit from the eccentric rotor extruder based on the volumetric elongational rheology, superior thermal conduction paths was constructed by a small number of CNTs (1.5 wt%) due to the decent dispersion of the nanofillers. Meanwhile, excellent thermal stability, high latent heat (150.6 J/g), superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning property of the PCP nanocomposite allow it to serve as a long-term thermal management material in harsh environments. The proposed method can be an excellent candidate for the scalable preparation of PCP nanocomposite for the thermal management of both electronic devices and efficient utilisation of solar energy.