Copper-ceramic-composites with interpenetrating phase structure

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The project deals with novel metal/ceramic composites for long-term use as high-performance thermal conductors in the fields of power electronics and fusion reactors. The aim of the project is the exploration of interpenetrating copper/ceramic composites exhibiting high thermal conductivities. Advanced testing methods are applied to characterize the thermocyclic degradation of these materials. In the first stage, the project will be focused on copper/alumina composites, small amounts of which have been produced successfully at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. With improved processing equipment these composites will be produced at a larger scale and reproducible quality. Testing methods established at KIT will be applied for the characterization of the degradation under thermocyclic loading on samples in the size range 5-50 mm. The focus will be on the interaction between mechanical and thermophysical properties. In parallel, interpenetrating copper/silicon carbide composites will be produced. These composites may exhibit even higher thermal conductivities due to the better performance of silicon carbide. These attractive materials will be characterized as well with respect to their process-microstructure-properties interrelationship.