ABSTRACT
The continuing development of the ultrahigh (650 GPa and higher) modulus pitch based graphite fibers has led to the development of graphite fiber-enhanced thermal conductivity. The highly graphitized fibers exhibit higher thermal conductivity than pure silver (Table 1). Sheets of graphite fiber aluminum composites have a thermal conductivity value rivaling that of pure copper at a fraction of the weight. These sheets also have much superior strength and stiffness. These composites are currently being evaluated for spacecraft thermal radiators by NASA.
