Structure-property relationships for high thermal conductivity carbon fibers

Previous work at Clemson University has shown that ribbon-shaped mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers graphitized at only 2400 degreesC can develop the rmal conductivities comparable with those of commercial round-shaped pitch- based carbon fibers graphitized at temperatures above 3000 degreesC. The th ermal and electronic transport properties (i.e. thermal conductivity and el ectrical resistivity) of ribbon-shaped carbon fibers produced at Clemson Un iversity are being studied. In addition, the structure of these fibers is b eing analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. This paper will discuss the relationships between processing conditions, fiber structure and fiber properties. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.