Preparation and properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced Cu matrix composites for electronic packaging application

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced copper nanocomposites were prepared using a unique spherical MWCNT-implanted copper composite powders. The MWCNTs are homogenously 'locked' in the composite and tightly bonded to the matrix, which makes them play excellent reinforcement role on the microhardness compared with the unreinforced pure copper. Although the thermal conductivity is not enhanced for the thermal resistance between the carbon nanotubes and the copper matrix; it is still high enough to be used as electronic packaging materials even the concentration of MWCNTS in the composite is up to 5 wt%. Furthermore, the thermal expansion of the composites decreased apparently with the addition of the carbon nanotubes.