SBIR Phase I: Innovative Isotropic Ultra-High Thermal Conductivity Diamond Composite Materials

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop ultra-high thermal conductivity materials with tailorable electrical behavior via chemical vapor infiltration of polycrystalline diamond onto two different substrates: graphitic foam and carbon nanofiber infused preforms. The thermal conductivity will be primarily controlled by the polycrystalline diamond phase, while the electrical properties will be determined by the graphitic structure. An additional objective of this research project is to determine the structure-property-processing relationships for this new class of composites. The proposed technology will benefit the consumer, industrial and military electronics that rely on heat conduction to maintain temperatures at acceptable levels for reliability and long life. In addition, the potential for near-net shape manufacturing reduces waste and increases the thermal efficiency that drives the optimization of heat transfer applications.