In this current experimental research, the amount of improvement in the thermal conductivity of HEC hybrid epoxy resins was studied by adding copper oxide nanoparticles CuONp and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as hybrid additives in different proportions to select the sample with the highest thermal conductivity value to include it in the design of the Flat Plate Solar Collector FPSC as Thermal Interface Material TIM reduces thermal resistance between the absorber plate and the tube. Four groups of samples were prepared using a mass balance with a sensitivity of 0.01g and a magnetic mixing device, then poured into cubic plastic molds to take the shape of the sample. The first group consists of one sample of pure epoxy to calibrate the thermal properties testing device through it. The second group consists of five samples of epoxy loaded with CNTs by weight (1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10) %. The third group consists of five samples of epoxy loaded with CuONp with weight percentages of (1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10) %. The fourth group consists of five samples of epoxy loaded with CuONp and CNTs combined in weight percentages of (1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10) %. The thermal conductivity of the samples was measured experimentally using the hot disk analyzer technique to measure thermal specifications. After comparing the thermal conductivity values of the samples, the highest value was 1.57 W/mK for the HEC sample loaded with 10% CNTs, which represents 9.23 times higher than pure epoxy
This review presents a comprehensive study on composites with particular interest in various synthesis techniques, advanced characterizations, and wide industrial applications. The survey includes such time categories of composites as polymer matrix (PMCs), metal matrix (MMCs), ceramic matrix carbides (CMCs), and nanocomposites, and describes the mechanical behavior and the advantages of their structural performance. The paper focuses on the development of fundamental manufacturing processes such as hand lay-up, filament winding, and additive manufacturing. It also describes different techniques of characterization of the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of them. Interest in the use of nanocomposites is also increasing due to their high surface area and excellent performance, which could be suitable for high-temperature and light engineering applications. Moreover, this review highlights the industrial relevance of composites, which have been extensively utilized in aerospace, automobile, marine, and civil infrastructure applications. It also solves key recyclability and environmental sustainability challenges. Finally, the paper highlights transient progress in composites as a fundamental material of new generation high-performance technologies and identifies some research gaps, but possible ways for progress towards sustainable innovation.