Improved heat transport and hydrogen sorption rate in the electric field aligned, graphite/magnesium hydride composites

Abstract The results on the improvement of the heat transport and reaction rates in the magnesium hydride composite are reported. It has been achieved by admixing flake graphite and temperature proof silicone resin and, further, through their alignment with the applied strong electric field. The oriented, graphite-field composite samples show a 22-43% higher thermal conductivity, in comparison with isotropic samples, reaching values of 1.28 W/m·K. Improved heat transfer was found to increase reaction rates and the corresponding reaction times composites were shortened 54% and 40% min for absorption and desorption, respectively, which makes composites attractive for applications.