Graphene: An effective oxidation barrier coating for liquid and two-phase cooling systems

Arun S. Kousalya, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Anurag Kumar, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Rajib Paul, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Dmitry Zemlyanov, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Timothy S. Fisher, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Abstract

Graphene is studied as an oxidation barrier coating for liquid and liquid-vapor phase-change cooling systems. Forced convection heat transfer experiments on bare and graphene-coated copper surfaces reveal identical liquid-phase and two-phase thermal performance for the two surfaces. Surface analysis after thermal testing indicates significant oxide formation on the entire surface of the bare copper substrate; however, oxidation is observed only along the grain boundaries of the graphene-coated substrate. Results show that few-layer graphene can act as a protective layer even under vigorous flow boiling conditions, indicating a broad application space of few-layer graphene as an ultra-thin oxidation barrier coating. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology