A review on application of carbonaceous materials and carbon matrix composites for heat exchangers and heat sinks

Carbonaceous materials and carbon matrix composites (CAMCs) have potential to be used in heat exchangers and heat sinks for a number of thermal management applications related to HVAC&R systems, especially in high-temperature and corrosive environments. Recent developments in carbonaceous materials, such as new, natural graphite, carbon foam, carbon nanotubes, and CAMCs, open opportunities for new heat exchanger designs for compact and lightweight applications. The property data of various monolithic carbonaceous materials and CAMCs and their applications in liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers, liquid-to-gas heat exchangers, gas-to-gas heat exchangers and heat sinks are reviewed in this paper. While it is clear that these materials do hold promise for use in the construction of heat exchangers in different applications, additional research is still required in material properties, life-time behavior, structural design and manufacturing cost reduction.

► Merits and drawbacks of various carbonaceous materials are reviewed in detail.
► Applications in thermal management and heat sinks are discussed.
► Potential in thermal management due to thermophysical properties is demonstrated.
► New innovative techniques in design and fabrication are required.