Polymers are known to be a highly versatile building material, due to their low mass, flexibility, and durability. However, most polymers exhibit undesirable levels of thermal conductivity. The thermal transport mechanisms that exist within these materials are also not well understood or modelled. The ability to tune the thermal properties of polymers would greatly increase the amount of applications for polymers as a whole.  

The aim of this research was to investigate the doped PU/THDBT polymer/filler material for the purpose of developing a low thermal conductivity system. This type of system could potentially be used as a flame retardant material in high temperature conditions. This study also seeks to better understand and predict how thermal transport mechanisms function within the doped PU/THDBT system. 

In this study, we characterized the polymer/filler matrix using Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance (FDTR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) instrumental techniques. We utilized data in combination with researched mathematical models in order to better understand how heat travels through the PU/THDBT structure. 

As this project is still ongoing, there are no final results to report at this time. These findings will help to develop a new polymer hybrid design principle, as well as to increase scientific understanding of how thermal transport occurs in the PU/THDBT system.