As pointed out by other investigators,4,9–11 to increase the thermal conductivity of EMC filled with particulate AlN, it is essential to minimize the thermal conduction resistance associated with the interfaces between the filler and the matrix.
To reduce the thermal conduction resistance associated with the interfaces, two approaches can be undertaken, namely, to reduce the amount (or the area) of the interfaces, and to reduce the thermal conduction resistance at the interfaces.
The amount of interfaces can be reduced by using a filler with larger particle sizes. To reduce
the thermal conduction resistance at the interfaces, it has been suggested and tested11 to coat the AlN particles with a coupling agent (e.g., silane), which can enhance the bonding between the filler and the matrix.
The results of the present study clearly show the effects of AlN particle size and silane coating on the thermal conductivity of EMC.
In addition, the importance of developing a proper process for the fabrication of EMC with a high density is also shown in the present study