This paper presents the fabrication, testing, and modeling of an array of composite copper-carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNT) micropillars as a wick structure for potential application in passive phasechange cooling systems. This novel wick structure has a larger spacing at the base of the micropillars to provide a higher liquid permeability and mushroom-like structures on the top surface of the micropillars with a smaller spacing to provide a greater capillary pressure. The composite Cu-CNT micropillars were fabricated by an electrochemical deposition method on a patterned copper template. Cauliflower-like nanostructures were then grown on the top surface of the micropillars using chronoamperometry technique to improve the capillary pressure and thermal performance of the wick structure. After successful fabrication of the micropillars, a series of tests were conducted to quantify the thermal performance of the wick structures. The results demonstrate superior thermal and corrosion performances for composite Cu-CNT micropillars compared to those of copper micropillars. Additionally, a thermal resistance network analysis was conducted to model the thermal performance of the fabricated mushroom-shaped micropillar array. Model predictions were compared with the experimental results and good agreement was observed.

Miniaturization of electronic products and a consequent rapid increase in power density of advanced microprocessors and electronic components have created a need for improved cooling techniques to efficiently remove heat from such devices. Traditional air-cooled heat sinks have been utilized for several decades as the most cost-effective cooling technique for electronic cooling applications. However, the existing thermal management solutions are unable to maintain the temperature of the next generation of complex electronic systems within acceptable limits without adding considerable weight and complexity. This paper reports a microstructured wick for application in passive thermal management systems such as heat pipes and vapor chambers. The wick structure consists of mushroom-like composite copper-carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNT) micropillars. The small spacing between micropillar heads provides a higher capillary pressure whereas the large spacing between the base of micropillars provides a higher permeability for liquid flow. The micropillar array was fabricated on a copper substrate using an electroplating technique. The micropillar array was then tested in a controlled environment to experimentally measure its thermal performance under several operating conditions. A heat removal capability of 80 W/cm2 was demonstrated at a wall superheat of 15° C. In addition, a computational study was performed using ANSYS Fluent to predict the thermal performance of the micropillar array. Model predictions were compared with the experimental results and good agreement was obtained.

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