Characterization of High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Materials

Recently, different grades of carbon materials which have higher thermal conductivity have been manufactured to use for plasma facing components of fusion devices[I,2,3]. Since the plasma facing materials are often subjected to high thermal and mechanical stresses locally, materials having higher thermal conductivity, higher mechanical strength and toughness are desirable. In particular, higher thermal conductivity materials at high temperatures are required because erosion due to high heat loading is smaller. Generally, the thermal conductivity of carbon materials is known to be influenced by higher heat treatment temperature than the final treatment one, graphitization conditions and the kind of carbon fiber used for carbon/carbon(c/c) composites. In addition, it is considered that an addition of metallic elements, such as copper and silver, with high thermal coductivity raises that of carbon materials.