Effect of carbide formation in copper-graphite composites on thermo-physical properties

The aim of this work is the development of copper matrix composites reinforced with natural graphite flakes for thermal management applications by powder metallurgical processes. The strong anisotropic composites with 60vol.-% graphite represent a thermal conductivity of 560 W/(mK) and a low CTE of 7 - 8 ppm/K in-plane. A carbide formation is not necessary for the pure Cu/C/Xflake system to enhance the thermal conductivity and to reduce the CTE. But in order to increase the composite's bending strength an interfacial reaction like boron carbide formation will be essential at the Cu/C-interface.