Thermal Interface Material with Carbon Nanotube Surface Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal interface materials with carbon nanotubes exhibit low thermal conductivity due to poor wetting, limiting the efficient dissipation of heat from electronic components to heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
A thermal interface material comprising a super-aligned carbon nanotube array embedded in a matrix with transition structures, such as nickel or palladium layers, to enhance thermal conductivity by ensuring optimal contact between carbon nanotubes and the matrix, and between the interface material and electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If carbon nanotubes are embedded in a matrix to create thermal interface material, then thermal conductivity should be improved, but poor wetting between carbon nanotubes and matrix results in low thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an intermediary substance (surface treatment layer or coupling agent) between the carbon nanotubes and the matrix material to improve interfacial adhesion and wetting. This intermediary layer facilitates efficient thermal energy transfer across the interface while maintaining the high thermal conductivity of the carbon nanotubes, thereby resolving the contradiction between desired thermal conductivity and poor wetting quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies surface parameters of the carbon nanotubes through chemical or physical treatments to enhance their wetting characteristics with the matrix material. By changing surface energy, roughness, or chemical composition parameters, the material achieves both high thermal conductivity and improved interfacial wetting, eliminating the performance limitation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermal interface material is used, then manufacturing is simple, but heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite thermal interface material by combining carbon nanotubes with a matrix material in a structured arrangement. This composite structure leverages the exceptional thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes while maintaining the ease of manufacturing provided by the matrix, achieving both simple production and high heat dissipation efficiency through synergistic material combination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves thermal conductivity, enabling effective heat dissipation from electronic components to heat sinks, maintaining desired temperature levels.
Implementation Method 1
Carbon nanotubes have a coefficient of thermal conductivity (about 3000 ̃6000 W/mk) along their longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a thermal interface material is utilized between an electronic component and a heat sink in order to efficiently dissipate heat generated by the electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal interface material includes a carbon nanotube array, a transition structure, and a matrix. The carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The transition structure covers at least a part of the surfaces of carbon nanotubes. The matrix encompasses the carbon nanotubes. A component package using the thermal interface material includes a die, a heat spreader, and a thermal interface material. The thermal interface material is disposed between the die and the heater spreader.