US 12,312,656 B1
Method for production of graphene composite components having enhanced thermal conductivity
Yi Liu, Troy, MI (US); Qigui Wang, Rochester Hills, MI (US); Devin R. Hess, Clarkston, MI (US); and Ronald C. Daul, Northville, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Feb. 16, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/443,635.
Int. Cl. B22D 27/02 (2006.01); B22D 1/00 (2006.01); B22D 21/02 (2006.01); B22D 27/08 (2006.01); C22C 1/10 (2023.01); H01M 10/6554 (2014.01)
CPC C22C 1/1036 (2013.01) [B22D 1/00 (2013.01); B22D 21/02 (2013.01); B22D 27/02 (2013.01); B22D 27/08 (2013.01); H01M 10/6554 (2015.04); H01M 2220/20 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for mass-producing graphene composite vehicle components, comprising:
injecting a first flux into molten metal contained in a furnace using a first flux injection system;
injecting a graphene flux into the molten metal using a second flux injection system;
agitating and homogenizing the molten metal and the graphene flux within the furnace using an agitator;
transferring the molten metal into a mold having an electromagnetic stirring system; and
stirring the molten metal with the electromagnetic stirring system until the molten metal solidifies, wherein the electromagnetic stirring system maintains homogenization of the molten metal and the graphene flux.
 
13. A method for mass producing aluminum components used in electric vehicles, comprising:
injecting a first flux into molten metal in a furnace using a first flux injector, wherein the first flux includes at least one of nitrogen gas or argon, and wherein the molten metal is degassed by the first flux;
injecting a graphene flux into the molten metal using a second flux injector, wherein the graphene flux is a powder, and wherein the graphene flux includes a surface treatment including at least one of nickel or copper;
agitating and homogenizing the molten metal and the graphene flux in a furnace using a propeller agitator;
transferring the molten metal into a mold having an electromagnetic stirring system, wherein the electromagnetic stirring system maintains homogenization of the molten metal and the graphene flux; and
stirring the molten metal with the electromagnetic stirring system until the molten metal solidifies at a temperature equal to or less than 660° C.
 
19. A method for mass producing cooling components used in electric vehicles, comprising:
injecting a first flux into molten metal in a furnace using a first flux injector, wherein the first flux includes at least one of nitrogen gas or argon, and wherein the molten metal is degassed by the first flux;
injecting a graphene flux into the molten metal using a second flux injector, wherein the graphene flux is a powder, and wherein the graphene flux includes a surface treatment including at least one of nickel or copper;
agitating and homogenizing the molten metal and the graphene flux in a furnace using a propeller agitator;
transferring the molten metal into a mold having an electromagnetic stirring system, wherein the electromagnetic stirring system maintains homogenization of the molten metal and the graphene flux;
stirring the molten metal with the electromagnetic stirring system until the molten metal solidifies at a temperature equal to or less than 660° C.; and
forming a cooling component for an electric vehicle from the cooled molten metal, wherein the cooling component includes a vehicle battery pack cooling plate.