This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing copper/graphite composites by a continuous casting process. Historically, copper/graphite composites have been produced by hot pressing copper-coated graphite fibers or by high pressure liquid metal infiltration. The development of a reliable air-stable coating which is easily wet by molten copper allows new, low cost manufacturing techniques to be investigated. The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of continuously casting copper/graphite composites. A prototype demonstration unit will be constructed and the principle operating variables will be identified. At the conclusion of the Phase I, completely infiltrated copper/graphite strips will be produced and characterized.
