In an attempt to increase the thermal conductivity of polymer matrix composites, a model which includes metal- coated fibers and metal-coated microspheres, is proposed. To accurately evaluate the thermal conductivity of this material system, a micro-mechanic model will be developed based on the hot wire thermal conductivity method. The performance of the model will be assessed through digital simulation studies by employing the finite element method. Further evaluation will be performed experimentally by measuring the thermal conductivities of the material in different directions, using the hot wire thermal conductivity method.
