Embedment of Carbon Nanotubes in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer for Carrier Plates in Space Payload

Microwaves for space payload are designed for the wide rangeof microwave frequencies. They are also capable to withstand against the stringent space and launch environment. It provides electrical interfaces between the components in the spacecraft system and has to ensure high reliability. The package consists numbers of carrier plates on which substrates are attached. A carrier plate is used as metallic carrier to support to alumina substrate on which the microwave circuit is etched. The indigenous development of CFRP-based carrier plates are possible replacement of standard Kovar-based carrier plates to reduce the mass by six times lighter than the existing topology. However, CFRP is having significantly lower conductivity compare to kovar material.The lower conductivity directly affects the heat dissipation electromagnetic shielding, current carrying capability, and surface treatment process. To overcome these problems & achieve full advantage, advanced nanofiller material, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) can be added to the polymer. The use of CNT composites will not only reduce the weight but improve thermal and electrical parameters. This paper provides a research overview of the enhancement of thermal and electrical properties of CFRP, helps to design microwave package assembly. The challenge is to identify the suitable fabrication technique, process parameters, characterization of the CNT composite.