Thermal Interface Materials

Posted by Amanda M. Hartnett

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Materials

Dispensing Thermal Grease. Image Courtesy of computershopper.com

So far this year, we have had so many discussions of the various types of metal thermal interface materials, their thermal conductivity benefits, their thermal test performance and the various applications they fit into, that I thought it was about time to bring the conversation back to the basics.

What types of thermal interface materials are available?

There are no shortage of thermal interface materials out there. Among others, there are various possibilities such as:

1) Thermal Greases

2) Metal Filled Thermal Greases

3) Polymer Phase Change Thermal Interface Materials

4) Thermal Pads

5) Metal Phase Change Materials

6) Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Materials

7) Compressible Metal Thermal Interface Materials

8) Solder Thermal Interface Materials

Each of these have their benefits and are suited for niche applications, but most high power/high heat applications are best suited with metal TIMs for their superior reliability and thermal resistance benefits.

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