Development of a Structural and Thermally Conductive Composite

This proposal will explore the feasibility of improving the thermal and mechanical properties of carbon fiber (CF)/polymer composites. We will improve the Z-directional (out-of-plane direction) thermal conductivity as well as the mechanical properties of the composites by introducing direct heat conduction pathways along the z-direction between the carbon filaments and between the plies. Different forms of zinc oxide will be used as thermal conductive filler for this purpose. We aim to demonstrate significantly improved out-of-plane thermal conductivity to around 20 W/m•K without affecting the structural integrity of the carbon fiber reinforced composites. BENEFIT: Through the successful completion of the SBIR phase I and phase II project, Pixelligent will be able to offer carbon fiber reinforced composites with structural and process characteristics of IM7/977-3 and the thermal conductivity around 50 W/m•K on all directions. These materials will find places in the finished carbon fiber composite parts market which is expected to reach $9.9 billion in 2010. They will also have the potential to tap into the market of aluminum which generated $87 Billion revenue in 2007.