Pitch based carbon fiber laminates have very high in-plane thermal conductivity (Kx & Ky) but performance was limited by the poor thermal conductivity through the thickness, Kz.. In Phase I, XC Associates demonstrated that the addition of boron nitride powder to a pitch fiber laminate increased, Kz, by a factor of 4 compared to an unfilled laminate. This is an important result that significantly increases the thermal efficiency of lightweight composite heat sinks for avionics and space applications. Additionally the technology has important applications for other composite components such as missile fins where the increased Kz results in lower operating temperatures that directly translate into significant cost saving. This Phase II effort will build on the results of Phase I to optimize the technology and go forward to qualify composite heat sinks for avionics, space and missile applications. During the Phase II, XC Associates will design and fabricate prototype components that will then be qualified by the users at their own expense. once the prototypes are qualified this will lead to direct sales for these particular programs. The technology has direct application for thermal management in commercial and military applications. Qualification of this technology into specific applications will demonstrate that the technology represents a low risk cost effective method to enhance the thermal performance of composite structures and will lead to further commercialization opportunities.
Keywords: Enhanced Thermal Management, Composite Structures, Organic Matrix Composites, Heat Sinks, Electronic