The study on effective thermal conductivity of carbon foam based on fractal theory

Abstract

Novel carbon foam with high thermal conductivity is prepared by thermal treating of mesophase pitch under certain temperature and pressure condition. With fractal theory, the thermal conducting property of this novel porous material is discussed. Then we deduce the area fractal dimension of carbon foam. A thermal conductivity model of carbon foam is proposed. The relationship formula of effective thermal conductivity is presented by using thermal resistance method. Through computation, the effective thermal conductivity of carbon foam is acquired. The value of model forecast is consistent with that of the actual observed for carbon foam. This method has provided the theoretical basis for better using its fine heat conduction performance.