Thermal properties of metal matrix composites with planar distribution of carbon fibres

High thermal conductivity (TC) and a tunable coefficient of thermal expansion are essential properties for heat management materials operating in a wide temperature range. We combine both properties in a composite with a low-density metal matrix reinforced with pitch-based carbon fibres. The thermal conductivity of the metal matrix was increased by 50%, the thermal expansion coefficient was reduced by a factor of five. The samples were produced by powder metallurgy and have a planar random distribution of fibres, leading to high performance in two dimensions. [GRAPHICS] Surface of a metal matrix composite with 50% carbon fibre (CF) strengthening (optical microscope, 20x magnification).