Preparation and thermophysical properties of Cu alloy/high thermal conductivity carbon fibre composites

Novel heat sink materials based on copper matrix composites containing highly conductive carbon fibres have been made by gas pressure infiltration and subjected to structural studies and thermal conductivity measurements. Light and scanning electron microscopy observations have revealed homogeneous distribution of fibres in matrix and formation of interfacial reaction zone when the copper was alloyed with carbide forming elements. The thermal conductivity of prepared unidirectional composites was calculated from thermal diffusivity measured by means of flash method in both longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to fibre alignment. The conductivity values obtained in the range of 580 W/m (.) K to 695 W/m (.) K for longitudinal direction and 57 W/m (.) K to 88 W/m (.) K for transverse direction are in a good agreement with values predicted by analytical models.