Impartation of Thermal Conductivity Anisotropy to Aluminum-Based Composite Containing Short Carbon Fibers by Repeated Rolling

Abstract

In recent years, with the technological advance of electronic equipment, an increase in the calorific value of electronic equipment has become a problem. Efficiently cooling the heat generated inside electronic devices is essential. Therefore, the composite material which included a short carbon fiber (SCF) having a high thermal conductivity in aluminum (Al) attracts attention. In this study, Al powder containing SCF was repeatedly rolled and annealed to produce sintered compacts, and an attempt was made to align the axial direction of SCF within the material. The effects of rolling conditions on SCF orientation and thermal conductivity were investigated. As a result, it was confirmed that the SCF inside the specimen was preferentially oriented in the rolling direction. It was also confirmed that the composite had anisotropic thermal conductivity properties. It was shown that the orientation of SCF could be improved by changing the rolling conditions.