ABSTRACT
Carbon fibers are considered by purists to be dirty physical systems because of the large number of lattice defects they usually contain, however, they are interesting entities on which transport properties can be extensively investigated. Their variety of structures, particular geometry, and the fact that some may be intercalated, have lead to interesting observations, that could not be made on the corresponding bulk carbons and graphites. For example, their large length to cross-section ratio made possible the discovery of quantum transport effects on pristine (Section 6.2) and intercalated fibers (Section 6.5.2.2) and the separation of electronic and lattice thermal conductivities (Section 6.5.3.3). In addition to their favorable mechanical properties, their exceptional thermal conductivities offer unique possibilities for heat transfer devices in practical applications.
