We synthesized one dimensional (1-D) AlN whiskers by using the cobalt oxide catalyst-assisted carbothermal reduction method. The formation of AlN whiskers is investigated by the thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis, Fourier-transformed infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. It was found that Co3O4 droplets on the surfaces of Al2O3 acted as a catalyst for the growth of AlN whiskers by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. In addition, AlN whiskers/PVA composites aligned in parallel with the heat flow direction showed an excellent thermal conductivity about three times higher than those of the perpendicularly aligned whisker composites. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.