Polymeric Composites: Heat TransferThis is a revision of an article of the same title by M. R. Tant and J. B. Henderson originally published in The International Encyclopedia of Composites, Stuart M. Lee, Ed., VCH Publishers, 1991.

Abstract

Heat transfer is quite important during the processing of polymer composites and nanocomposites, and very often is important during their application as well. The low thermal conductivity of these materials, as well as the energy involved in internal chemical reactions or changes in phase, results in specific effects on structure and properties that must be considered during design of both the composite material and the processing operation required to make it. In this article, we describe the basic mechanisms of heat transfer and the energy equation, the thermophysical properties of polymers and polymer composites that are important during their processing and application, the nature and effects of heat transfer during processing, and heat transfer in both low temperature and high temperature applications. Over the last 30 years, many advances have been made in the characterization and modeling of heat transfer in polymer composites and nanocomposites exposed to a high heat flux, such as in ablative applications or during exposure to fire. These advances will support the development of newer and more advanced polymer composites more aptly suited to the as yet unknown but sure‐to‐be demanding engineering applications of the future.