Aztex has developed a technology to reinforce composites called Z-Fiber® insertion. Normally standard carbon fiber pins are inserted through the thickness of an uncured carbon prepreg laminate using ultrasonic energy. The resulting product has superior damage tolerance. It is possible to adapt this process to use thermally conductive pins and to insert them in the Z direction through a pitch based precursor prior to infiltration of the precursor. We expect that the result will be to produce an MMC plate which will have excellent x, y and Z thermal properties. Aztex will team with MMCC to research this concept. Aztex will refine the insertion technology and MMCC will make the final plates and measure the thermal properties. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: MDA are seeking innovative approaches to improve baseline technologies. A particular problem is thermal management for concentrated local heat sources. Typically through the thickness, i.e. Z properties are not so good as x/y properties. Aztex has a proven concept that is already being used on the F/A 18 E/F aircraft when multiple carbon fiber pins are being inserted using Ultrasonics through the thickness of composite structure. It is anticipated that if thermally conductive pins are used the thermal properties of an MMC laminate can be substantially improved. Aztex already has a proven track record of commercialization.
Keywords: Z-Fiber, K 1100, ultrasonics, multifunctional structure, thermal conductivity, MMC, trhough thickness
