3D-programmable streamline guided orientation in composite materials for targeted heat dissipation

Highlights 3D printing-assisted streamline orientation method was proposed to fabricate composite thermal materials. Mechanism of fluid-based filler orientation control along streamlines was revealed. Thermal conductivity of 3D mesh-shape PDMS/LM composite was 4.8 times higher than that of random PDMS/LM composite. 3D-PSO method exhibits programmable design capability to adopt versatile distributions of heat sources.