Oleylamine functionalization of boron nitride nano-platelets for PA6 thermally conductive composites

Boron nitride nano-platelets have been functionalized with oleylamine using a simple method without ultrasonication. The functionalization is effective with the formation of a coordination bonds between the boron nitride nano-platelets and the oleylamine molecules. The oleylamine functionalization allows for the production of 25% by weight loaded polyamide 6 - boron nitride composites having higher mechanical properties (15% tensile strength increase) and better through-plane thermal conductivity (0.85 to 0.99 W/m·K) with respect to the untreated samples. A better particle-matrix interaction is confirmed by SEM imaging and rheological analysis. The injection moulding process determines a filler orientation which influences the thermal conductivity.