Porous Copper Body Oxidation-Reduction Layer for Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing porous copper bodies and composite parts face challenges in achieving sufficient thermal and electrical conductivity due to insufficient metal bonding of copper raw materials, particularly when sintering is performed in inert or reduction atmospheres.

Innovation Solution

A porous copper body with a three-dimensional network structure and an oxidation-reduction layer is created, where the oxygen concentration is set to 0.025 mass % or less, enhancing specific surface area and conductivity, and a method involving preliminary reduction treatment, oxidation, and reduction steps ensures strong bonding of copper fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If sintering is performed in an inert gas atmosphere or a reduction atmosphere, then the porous copper body can be formed, but the metal bond of copper is insufficient and thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesintering processVSAvoidmetal bonding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing an oxidation treatment before the final reduction sintering. The oxidation step creates oxide layers on the copper particle surfaces that facilitate bonding, and subsequent reduction removes these oxides while maintaining strong metal bonds. This preliminary oxidation step is crucial for achieving sufficient thermal and electrical conductivity that would not be attainable through reduction atmosphere sintering alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the oxidation-reduction atmosphere conditions and temperature parameters during processing. By adjusting the oxidation atmosphere composition, temperature, and duration, followed by controlled reduction parameters, the patent optimizes the metal bonding quality and conductivity while maintaining the porous structure. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and bonding quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the specific surface area is increased through oxidation-reduction treatment, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the oxygen concentration must be precisely controlled to maintain conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific surface areaVSAvoidoxygen concentration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the oxidation-reduction treatment parameters including atmosphere composition, temperature, and duration. These parameter adjustments enable the formation of an oxidation-reduction layer that increases specific surface area while maintaining oxygen concentration at 0.025 mass% or less, thus achieving both improved heat exchange efficiency and maintained conductivity through optimized processing parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuity of useful action through a continuous oxidation-reduction treatment process. The oxidation and reduction steps are performed in sequence without interruption, ensuring that the surface area enhancement from oxidation is immediately followed by reduction that removes excess oxygen. This continuous process maintains oxygen concentration within the required threshold while maximizing specific surface area for heat exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The approach results in porous copper bodies and composite parts with significantly improved thermal and electrical conductivity, maintaining high porosity and dimensional accuracy, effectively addressing the conductivity limitations of previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

an oxidation-reduction layer formed by an oxidation-reduction treatment is provided on a surface of the skeleton

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction treatment: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

sintering is performed in an inert gas atmosphere or a reduction atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS10493528B2Porous copper body, porous copper composite part, method for manufacturing porous copper body, and method for manufacturing porous copper composite part
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORP
  • US10493528B2 patent drawing
  • US10493528B2 patent drawing
  • US10493528B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A porous copper body including a skeleton having a three-dimensional network structure is provided. An oxidation-reduction layer formed by an oxidation-reduction treatment is provided on a surface of the skeleton, and the oxygen concentration of the entirety of the skeleton is set to be 0.025 mass % or less.