Experimental characterization of pure copper heat sinks fabricated by powder metallurgy

In this study, porous copper plates were produced to be used as heat sinks for cooling purposes. Copper powders were used in the production process and powder metallurgy steps were followed. The relationship between pressure, sintering temperature, time and powder size affecting the porosity level and volume was revealed using the Taguchi experimental design method. Copper powders of 5 μm and 50 μm sizes were used in the experiments, and the powders were compressed in the mold at two different pressures, 50 and 60 bar, and sintered at 700 and 900oC temperatures for 30 and 60 minutes. The L8 orthogonal array was chosen by targeting the surface with the highest porosity in the Taguchi method. The effect ratios of each design parameter on porosity were determined with the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The microstructure characterization, thermal and mechanical properties of the produced samples were analyzed, comparatively.