It is no more than usual that an electronic device produces heat when it operates. There must be a reliable solution to manage this heat. Otherwise, the device may overheat and lose its performance efficiency. Here comes into play the role of thermal interface materials. These materials are designed to dissipate heat from electronic devices.
But have you ever thought about how TIMs control such massive heat? They do so because of the thermally conductive materials used in their composition. These materials carry higher thermal conductivity to fight against heat elements. Let’s jump forward towards the in-depth discussion of this whole scenario. So that you end up understanding core concepts,
Fundamentals of Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity shows how efficiently a material can transfer heat. A higher thermal conductivity means enough ability to transfer heat. Similarly, a lower thermal conductivity means less ability to transfer the heat.
Thermal conductivity is generally measured in Watts per Meter per Kelvin (W/m·K) unit. The main formula to measure thermal conductivity is q=−k dT/dx. It evaluates heat transfer from high-temperature areas to low-temperature areas.
- q refers to heat flux
- k refers to thermal conductivity
- dT/dx refers to a temperature gradient.
Top 10 Thermally Conductive Materials
1: Diamond
Amongst the best thermally conductive materials, diamond ranks on top. It offers a higher thermal conductivity of 2200 W/mK. Diamond is compatible with high-performance usage and efficiently dissipates heat from components. It is mostly used in Heat sinks, Lasers, and Defence Systems.
- Diamond lasts longer because of their solid nature.
- Diamond shows no to minimal changes in physical form under high temperatures.
- Diamond also offers electrical insulation.
2: Silver
Silver is a metal by nature, while in thermal terms, it features a good conductivity range of 429 W/mK. It is used in almost all high-end thermal interface materials where top performance is prioritised. The common applications of silver are medical devices, solar panels, and thermal grease.
- Silver can be mixed with other relevant materials to improve performance.
- Silver features flexibility without compromising performance.
- Silver is non-toxic and safe to use in most cases.
3: Copper
Copper is also a metal by nature, it offers thermal conductivity of 400 W/mK. It can easily bear the heat for a longer time than other metals. This feature makes it a prominent choice for most cases. Copper is widely used in industry-level products. Examples include radiators, water pipes, wires, and heatsinks.
- Copper has high-level electrical conductivity.
- Copper is cheaper compared to other metals.
- Copper is reliable and durable.
4: Gold
Although it’s an expensive choice compared to copper and silver. Still used in the aerospace industry, circuits, and wiring of high-end components. Gold has a thermal conductivity of 315 W/mK. The free-electron elements of gold make it an efficient source of dissipating heat.
- Gold ingredients feature no compromise on quality.
- Gold is an oxidant & corrosion resistant.
- Gold acts as a heat shield because of IR reflection.
5: Aluminum Nitride
Aluminum Nitride is another thermally conductive material on the 5th. It features both the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation for the components. The range for its thermal conductivity is 237 W/mK. It is also known as an alternative to beryllium oxide. Manufacturers usually use it in semiconductors and power modules.
- Aluminum Nitride protects against thermal shocks.
- Aluminum Nitride is durable and reliable.
6: Silicon Carbide
Silicon plus Carbon results in silicone carbide. It is a good source of heat transfer and offers a thermal conductivity of 270 W/mK. It is a hard, reliable, and durable material for extreme usage with stable performance. It is suitable for electronics, LED lights, and the automotive industry.
- Silicon Carbide is resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
- Silicon Carbide can bear higher mechanical stress.
7: Aluminum
Aluminum is also a good thermally conductive material. It offers a thermal conductivity of 237 W/mK. Although it has a bit lower conductivity than copper, it is still used as an alternative. It carries features as anti-rust and corrosion resistance. Aluminum is mostly used in LED lights, heatsinks, and radiators.
- Aluminum and Copper can be mixed to make it more cost-effective.
- Aluminum is light and keeps the weight balanced.
- Aluminum is a budget-friendly option.
8: Tungsten
Tungsten is a reputable thermally conductive material. It features a thermal conductivity range of 172 W/mK. The physical nature of tungsten is strong and anti-corrosive. It can easily bear every kind of mechanical stress without compromising the performance. It is compatible with consumer electronics, the aerospace industry, and industrial tools.
- Tungsten can be used in electrodes.
- Tungsten has a high melting point.
9: Graphite
At number 9th on the list, we have Graphite, featuring thermal conductivity of 168 W/mK. It has solid ability to transfer heat outside the components efficiently. Graphite is light in weight and can bear excessive mechanical stress. It is most widely used in the automotive and electronics industries.
- Graphite is an additive to enhance thermal conductivity.
- Graphite is an easy-to-find and affordable material.
10: Zinc
Here, the last thermally conductive material we have is Zinc. However, it has a low thermal conductivity of 116 W/mK. Still widely used as a manufacturing ingredient in thermal management products. It provides anti-rust features and is resistant to corrosion.
- Zinc is lightweight and convenient.
- Zinc easily mixes with other metals to improve final results.
About JiuJu’s Thermal Interface Materials
When talking about the importance of quality thermally conductive materials. It’s also necessary to mention that the quality manufacturers offer quality thermal interface materials. JiuJu has been a leading name in the thermal industry for more than 20 years.
We have core expertise in manufacturing top-notch thermal products using top-quality thermally conductive materials. JiuJu’s thermal paste/pads are used widely across the globe by more than 500+ businesses.
They are satisfied with the quality of our thermal products.JiuJu always uses quality ingredients in its thermal products. Material Engineers and the R&D team approve each after a deep analysis and evaluation.
The company tolerates no compromise over the quality of its products. So, businesses and consumers can approach JiuJu 24/7 to get a quotation list. The customer support team will guide you in detail and assist in signing a smooth deal.
Final Thoughts
As a manufacturer, understanding the role of thermal conductivity and thermally conductive materials is important. It helps in choosing a suitable option for manufacturing thermal interface materials. Diamonds are taking the lead in this regard for thermal conductivity. Similarly, silver and copper are widely used materials due to cost and availability. Apart from that, other materials also have notable importance as per the product requirement.
Searching for quality thermal interface materials? Choosing JiuJu as your supplier can be a perfect decision. Check out their products here.
