Promoting Thermal Conductivity of Alumina-Based Composite Materials by Systematically Incorporating Modified Graphene Oxide

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have carefully reviewed the manuscript entitled "Promoting Thermal Conductivity of Alumina-Based Composite Materials by Systematically Incorporating Modified Graphene Oxide". This study explores the effects of adding graphene oxide (GO) and octadecylamine-modified graphene oxide (ODA-GO) to alumina-polydimethylsiloxane (Al2O3-PDMS) composites intended for use as thermal interface materials (TIMs). The authors have detailed the methodology, characterizations, and findings that indicate an improvement in thermal conductivity with the integration of these fillers. Below are my comments regarding the manuscript's merit for publication and suggestions for improvement.

 

1.      The results are well-presented with clear figures and tables. The improvement in thermal conductivity with the addition of ODA-GO is particularly notable. However, the discussion could be deepened by providing a mechanistic insight into how ODA-GO enhances the thermal conductivity. Additionally, the role of ODA in improving compatibility and its impact on the thermal pathways could be elaborated upon with more microscopic or spectroscopic evidence.

2.      Some of the figures, especially those involving SEM images, could be enhanced for better clarity and labeling. High-resolution images would aid in better understanding the material characteristics described.

 

 

The manuscript provides valuable insights into the development of efficient thermal interface materials using a novel approach of incorporating modified graphene oxide into alumina-based composites. With the suggested revisions, I believe the manuscript would make a significant contribution to the literature. I recommend the manuscript for publication after minor revisions.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

Nawon Lee et al. conducted promising work on alumina composites and demonstrated significant thermal transport enhancement in alumina composites by the incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide. This research presents a focused and well-organized study. The clear scientific approach, accessible writing style, and clear figure presentations make the findings readily understandable to a broad range of researchers. The meticulous execution and sound conclusions solidify the value of this work for publication.

The author might consider adding scale bars in both polarized and nonpolarized optical images in the main manuscript and in supporting information also. 

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presents an intriguing study on the enhancement of thermal conductivity in alumina-based composite materials through the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) and octadecylamine-modified GO (ODA-GO). While the research offers valuable insights, a major revision is recommended to address several critical aspects. The study's conclusions require clearer justification for the selection criteria and concentration range of GO and ODA-GO used in experiments, a detailed explanation of the impact on thermal properties, detailed explanation of modifications during functionalization, and a comprehensive evaluation of the study's limitations and scalability for practical applications.

 

Comments

1. Lines 17-18: Can authors specify the criteria used to select graphene oxide as the second filler in the thermal interface materials?
2. Line 20: What are the specific advantages of using octadecylamine for the surface modification of graphene oxide?
3. Lines 22-23: Please provide the rationale behind choosing the concentration range (0.25 wt% - 2.5 wt%) for GO and ODA-GO in your experiments.
4. Line 26: Could authors detail the mechanisms by which GO and ODA-GO enhance thermal conductivity in the composite materials?
5. Line 30: How do authors envision the polarity regulation of the fillers influencing the design of cost-effective TIM-2 type pads?
6. Lines 35-40: What are the specific challenges in thermal management that are directly addressed by the advancements in your study?
7. Lines 55-54: What are the limitations of using PDMS as a polymer binder in terms of thermal conductivity and how does your study address these limitations?
8. Line 64: Can authors elaborate on the criteria for choosing alumina as the primary filler material?
9. Line 67: What is the significance of incorporating a second filler into the TIMs, and how does it enhance the overall thermal conductivity?
10. Lines 86-87: How does the modification of GO with an organic moiety impact its performance in a hydrophobic environment like PDMS?
11. Line 112: What specific modifications were made to the method of functionalizing GO with ODA and why?
12. Lines 121-123: Please explain the process and considerations for selecting the specific content ranges of GO and ODA-GO in the TIMs.
13. Line 137: Could authors elaborate on the choice of characterization techniques used to analyze the morphological and structural features of the TIMs?
14. Line 148: What insights do the thermogravimetric analysis provide about the stability and decomposition patterns of the fillers used?
15. Line 162-164: How do the morphological features of Al2O3 particles and GO influence their respective roles in the TIMs?
16. Lines 193-194: What are the implications of the spectral features observed in the FT-IR and Raman analyses for the functionality of the TIMs?
17. Line 217: Can authors discuss the significance of the different thermal degradation patterns of GO and ODA-GO observed in TGA?
18. Line 237: How do the XRD patterns contribute to understanding the structural changes in GO after modification with ODA?
19. Line 266: What factors influenced the systematic preparation of TIMs with varying contents of GO and ODA-GO?
20. Line 294: How do the digital photos and SEM images help in understanding the distribution of fillers within the TIMs?
21. Line 318: What are the limitations of the Maxwell model in predicting the thermal conductivity of the TIMs in your study?
22. Line 352: How does the 2D structure of GO and its thermal properties uniquely contribute to enhancing the thermal conductivity of the TIMs?
23. Line 363: Can authors elaborate on the observed decrease in thermal conductivity with increasing GO content and its implications for TIM design?
24. Line 384: What are the key factors that improved the compatibility of ODA-modified GO in the PDMS and alumina mixture?
25. Line 401: Looking forward, how might the modification of thermally conductive fillers be optimized to enhance dispersity and performance in TIM applications?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The revised manuscript can be accepted