(co)polymer matrix composites comprising thermally-conductive particles and a nonvolatile diluent and methods of making the same

Abstract

(Co)polymer matrix composites including a porous (co)polymeric network; a nonvolatile diluent, and a multiplicity of thermally-conductive particles distributed within the (co)polymeric network; wherein the thermally-conductive particles are present in a range from 15 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the (co)polymer matrix (including the thermally-conductive particles and the nonvolatile diluent). Optionally, the (co)polymer matrix composite volumetrically expands by at least 10% of its initial volume when exposed to a temperature of at least 135° C. Methods of making and using the (co)polymer matrix composites are also disclosed. The (co)polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as heat dissipating or heat absorbing articles, as fillers, thermal interface materials, and thermal management materials, for example, in electronic devices, more particularly mobile handheld electronic devices, power supplies, and batteries.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.