HIGH HEAT-FLUX COMPOSITES FOR PLASMA-FACING MATERIALS

Vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) has been shown to have the highest the rmal conductivity of all carbon fiber currently available. This proper ty holds potential of increasing the thickness and longevity of fusion reactor plasma-facing materials. The use of VGCF as a reinforcement i n carbon/carbon composites has been explored, as well as methods of jo ining these plasma-facing materials to copper alloy heat pipes. In ext ensive study of VGCF/carbon matrix composites, the influence of fiber volume fraction, density, densification method, and heat treatment on composite properties were investigated. Joining of VGCF/carbon composi tes to copper and beryllium to copper using a novel alloying method wa s studied. The joint interface was examined by RBS analysis and therma l conductance.