Novel Approach for Producing Thermally Conductive Composites

Composite materials utilizing graphite fibers can exhibit high axial thermal conductivities. However, thermal conduction perpendicular to the fiber direction in the composite is extremely low due to the acoustical mismatch between the carbon fiber and epoxy. Sommer Materials Research, Inc. proposes to increase phonon transfer through the epoxy/carbon fiber interfaces by modifying the composite material. In Phase I, feasibility of the proposed method will be demonstrated using thermal conductivity measurements. BENEFIT: It is anticipated that the proposed composite modification will produce higher through thickness conductivity, allowing a reduction in weight of radiators, electronic and structural components in satellite and aircraft applications.