

Some other names for Thermal Paste are Thermal Grease, Thermal Compound.Īs the name suggests, thermal paste or compound is in the form of, well, a paste (a semi-solid liquid). Thermal Paste is one of the most popular and widely used Thermal Interface Materials. Here are some of the common Thermal Interface Materials: This will not only eliminate the air gap but also acts as a thermal bridge between the surface of the component and the heat sink. What they do is fill the air gap with a thermally conductive material. This is where different Thermal Interface Materials come into picture.

So, the air gap between the surface of the component and the heat sink will act as an insulator and restricts the transfer of heat. We know that air is a very bad conductor of heat. If we take a heat sink and place it on top of a power device (MOSFET), and IC, or any “hot” electronic component, there will be tiny air gap between these two surfaces.Įven though they appear to be in contact, there is still some game will air filled in that gap. But Thermal Interface Materials play an important part in the heat transfer process. We use heat sinks and cooling fans to keep the electronic devices cool. Thermal Paste vs Thermal Pad: Which Provides Better Heat Transfer?Ī Brief Note on Thermal Interface Materials (TIM).A Brief Note on Thermal Interface Materials (TIM).
