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Novel Cu–Cr alloy matrix CNT composites with enhanced thermal conductivity

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Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are incorporated into the Cu–Cr matrix to fabricate bulk CNT/Cu–Cr composites by means of a powder metallurgy method, and their thermal conductivity behavior is investigated. It is found that the formation of Cr3C2 interfacial layer improves the interfacial bonding between CNTs and Cu–Cr matrix, producing a reduction of interfacial thermal resistance, and subsequently enhancing the thermal conductivity of the composites. The thermal conductivity of the composites increases by 12 % and 17 % with addition of 5 vol.% and 10 vol.% CNTs, respectively. The experimental results are also theoretically analyzed using an effective medium approximation (EMA) model, and it is found that the EMA model combined with a Debye model can provide a satisfactory agreement to the experimental data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yantai Engineering & Technology College, Yantai, 264006, China

    Jian Kong & Chao-ying Zhang

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255091, China

    Xiang Cheng

Authors
  1. Jian Kong
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  2. Chao-ying Zhang
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  3. Xiang Cheng
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Correspondence to Jian Kong.

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Kong, J., Zhang, Cy. & Cheng, X. Novel Cu–Cr alloy matrix CNT composites with enhanced thermal conductivity. Appl. Phys. A 112, 631–636 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-7839-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-7839-4

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