Heat Exchange Structures Based on Copper/CNT Composite

Abstract

In this study different types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were produced by the fixed bed and aerosol chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Nanocomposite materials were prepared by incorporation of different MWCNTs in copper matrix using powder metallurgy methods. By using hot pressing in combination with hot extrusion, the orientation of the carbon reinforcement was tuned from 3D to 1D alignment. After a selective etching process the carbon reinforcement is partially free-standing at the composite surface, but still embedded in the metal matrix. The engineered surface acts almost like a black body. The spectral evaluation of the surface functionalization will be shown for wavelengths from 200 nm to 20 µm. These results are compared to bulk copper. The free-standing MWCNT also behave like fins/pins in heat exchanger structures or surface enhancement in pool boiling. The experimental setup will be explained and the measurement described for pure copper. The theoretical heat transfer coefficient of the engineered surface is calculated depending on diameter and length of the free-standing MWCNTs. The results are compared to bulk copper.