Determination of the longitudinal thermal conductivity of low-ordered carbon fibers by using an optothermal Raman technique

The usage of carbon fibers (CFs) for high-temperature applications has been increasing in recent years. However, the determination of thermal properties at high temperatures is a challenging task. In this study, the thermal conductivity of two different types of CF having a diameter in the range from 5–7 $\mu$ m, as a function of temperature, was examined by using the optothermal Raman method. Raman spectroscopy was first used to obtain the structural organization and structural homogeneity of the fibers. Then, owing to the fact that Raman spectra are sensitive to laser excitation power and external temperature, Raman spectroscopy was used as a contactless thermometer to determine the local temperature rise of the fibers. A formula was derived by solving the heat diffusion equation for cylindrical fibers and a set of boundary conditions, similar to the experimental conditions, which allows accurate estimation of longitudinal thermal conductivity. The results are discussed in relation with the phonon scattering theory and can be attributed to the combined effect of scattering from defects. The radiative and convective heat losses were estimated, and their influence on thermal conductivity was also determined.