Evaluation of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Metal Matrix Composites by Using Image-Based Calculation

Interfacial thermal resistance in Al-SiC composites was evaluated by comparing the measured thermal conductivity and the calculated thermal conductivity. Al-20vol.%SiC composites changing SiC particle size, 3 μm to 30 μm, was fabricated by spark plasma sintering and heat treatment. Effective thermal conductivity was measured with the steady state thermal conductivity measuring device. Effective thermal conductivity was also calculated by using SEM image and the measured relative density. Comparing the measured thermal conductivity and the calculated thermal conductivity, interfacial thermal resistance in Al-SiC composites was evaluated as about 1.0x10-8 (m2K)/W.