Navy operational needs dictate that thermal interface materials (TIMs) have high thermal conductance, high dielectric strength, form non-permanent bonds, and be resilient to vibration and abrasion. Available TIMs each satisfy a portion of these requirements, but not all of them. Glacigen Materials will develop a new class of TIM by creating a novel composite material. This material will be embodied as a sheet of tailorable thickness with very high through thickness thermal conductivity (exceeding 5000 W/m2-K), but limited thermal conductivity in-plane. Glacigen will subsequently demonstrate the capacity to engineer in-plane anisotropy where the thermal conductivity along a single direction is favored over other directions. Phase I work will demonstrate the process which enables the unique matrix microstructure with relevant materials and then impregnating the composite matrix with the functional phase. Phase I work will conclude with thermal and mechanical characterization. Phase I option work will demonstrate scaling and engineered anisotropy.
Benefit: This project will yield a TIM that exceeds the Navys objective for thermal conductance while maintaining all other functional requirements. The advantages of this TIM will extend to other thermal management applications. This TIM will have particular application as a high performance replacement for thermal greases and gap pads.
Keywords: Composite, Composite, Thermal Management, material hybrid, Thermal interface material, engineered anisotropy, Anisotropic
