Synergetic effect enabling high thermal conductivity in Cu/diamond composite

Diamond has a superior thermal conductivity, but the diamond particles reinforced Cu matrix composites exhibit thermal conductivities far from expected. Here an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of 1050 W/mK is realized in a Cu/diamond composite via a discrete in situ carbide interlayer and a bimodal diamond particle strategy. The high thermal conductivity stems from a synergetic effect of high interfacial thermal conductance, large diamond particle size, high diamond content, and high relative density in the composite, which are obtained simultaneously. The study highlights the fundamental role of synergetic effect in attaining high thermal conductivity in Cu/diamond composites. This methodology also provides guideline for preparing other diamond particles reinforced composites for thermal management applications.