Low Cost Production of Mesophase Pitch Matrix Graphite Heat Sinks(1000-867)

Triton Systems Inc. (Triton) proposes to demonstrate cost effective fabrication of lightweight thermally conductive composite heat sinks for fighter avionics intended for installation in liquid cooled modular racks. Commencing with pitch graphite fiber / pitch precursor matrix carbon-carbon, composite variants will be investigated that improve the through thickness conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) when compared to current graphite based heat sink materials. During Phase I, Triton will implement the use of a high volume composite production process to significantly reduce the cost of these specialized materials. This process will produce the raw composite form from which the heat sinks will be fabricated. Additional high temperature processing steps will be used to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties. A single step densification process with an alternate matrix material will not only control cost but also improve heat sink compatibility with surrounding components. Finally, an extension of a well-developed textile processes used in the apparel industry will be used to enhance through-thickness thermal conductivity. In a Phase II award, Triton envisions the optimization of the manufacturing process with 2D/3D materials, refining thermal expansion matching, demonstrating low thermal joint resistance, assessing salt fog atmospheric exposure and test of a breadboard component.