The Technology
Copper has been used in electrical wiring since the invention of the electromagnet and the telegraph in the 1820s. Standard copper wires are being used for numerous applications reliably for many years. However, as technology changes requirements from the current carrying wires changes. Current copper wires are too heavy for applications such as aerospace and mobility applications, such as charging batteries and microelectronics would benefit from higher current capacity. A composite material combining copper embedded in a porous carbon matrix or other non-metallic conductive porous matrix was developed as an alternative material for electrical conductors. Copper wires replacement materials need to have high maximum current carrying capacity (ampacity), increase the conductivity per a unit of weight, and enhance the cable mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility. Electrodeposition is employed as a facile, cost-efficient preparation method, providing high-purity nano copper deposits, forming a well-connected, neural-like network inside the three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon matrix.
Advantages
- The composite wires carry higher currents than can be provided by pure copper cables (double current values).
- Substantial lower cable weight – ONLY 15% of the weight of a comparable copper cable.
- Cost efficient preparation method.
- Overall future target cost is substantially lower (by approx. 40%) to copper cable for the same dimensions.
Applications and Opportunities
- Light weight cables for power cables, automotive, aerospace, locomotive, microelectronic, electric vehicles, medical applications and telecommunication & utilities.
Business Development Contacts