Characterization and Modeling of Metal-based Enhanced Conductive Materialsfor Fabrication

The Department of Energy (DOE) is promoting R&D into Affordable, Breakthrough Leapfrog Electric and Thermal Applications (CABLE). Many approaches to produce graphene-enhanced composite materials have been established in recent years. Although prior approaches have shown very promising increase of conductive properties, most of those previous experiences are not scalable due to technical challenges, or are too expensive to project at high volume. This topic addresses an essential challenge for commercializing enhanced conductive (EC) materials: which is understanding of the theory and mechanisms of EC materials. This is necessary to support effective materials design and processes that will enable subsequent manufacturing scale-up phases. Statement of How this Problem is Being Addressed: NAECO, LLC will collaborate with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to develop and evaluate a predictive computer model for copper alloy enhanced conductive composites. What is to be done in Phase 1? : We will begin the project by making use of Copper Alloy -graphene composite material that has already been demonstrated to have enhanced conductive properties through an innovative process, developed by PNNL, known as ShAPE™. The project will then integrate the abilities of the small business who produced the copper alloy with the highly capable scientific team of GTRI in order to feed detailed characterization data to PNNL, who will then use this data to develop a finite element conductivity model that can be used to streamline further development and scale-up for the manufacturing of these materials. In addition to DOE funding, the project will have financial support from the State of Georgia Department of Economic Development, Center of Innovation for Energy Technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefit: Enhanced Conductivity Copper would provide Americans with material to build more efficient electrical devices and electricity distribution and control systems. The technology could cross-over into multiple markets, such as Electric Vehicles, Aerospace and Industrial Controls where improved electrical energy efficiency can provide a competitive advantage for American industry.