Thermal management graphite materials are becoming increasingly popular due to their high thermal conductivity, lightweight nature, and flexibility. However, choosing the wrong type of material can lead to overheating, reduced performance, shorter component lifespan, and even device failure. In this article, we will distinguish between the two common types of graphite sheet to help you easily select the most suitable material for your needs.
What is Thermal Graphite Sheet?
Thermal graphite sheets are advanced materials created through a high-temperature refining process. In this process, a polymer layer is heated to its decomposition temperature in a vacuum, allowing it to carbonize and transform into graphite, resulting in a highly oriented structure.
These sheets share a structural similarity with diamonds and graphene, offering exceptional in-plane thermal conductivity and through-plane electrical conductivity. With their efficient heat dissipation capabilities and non-interference properties, thermal graphite sheet is among the thinnest and lightest thermal management solutions, widely used across various applications.
Learn more at: What is Thermal Conductive Graphite and Its Applications?
Types of Graphite Materials
In the past, graphite was commonly produced in sheet or layered forms, used as heat spreaders to enhance thermal transfer between heat-generating components and heat sinks. These sheets were typically made from natural or synthetic graphite and featured high thermal conductivity, ranging from 100 to 350 W/m-K, significantly higher than other common thermal interface materials like aluminum or copper. Conventional graphite sheets have an in-plane thermal conductivity of over 1000 W/m-K along the X and Y axes (within the plane).
To improve thermal conductivity along the Z-axis, TIM (Thermal Interface Material) graphite was developed. Unlike solid graphite sheet, TIM graphite is structured in a foam form, making it suitable as a thermal interface material. It offers good compression rates, which increase contact area and effectively fill small gaps between heat sources and heatsinks, thereby enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.
Differences Between Graphite Heat Spreaders and TIM Graphite
Graphite heat spreader
Graphite heat spreaders are primarily used to dissipate or distribute heat evenly across a plane due to their exceptional thermal conductivity along the X and Y axes.
With a specialized design, these graphite sheets are both flexible and durable, allowing them to conform to curved or irregular surfaces while also serving as a protective layer for components, preventing peeling or damage. This makes them ideal for applications in compact and complex spaces such as smartphones, laptops, and LED devices.
Typically, graphite heat spreaders are coated with a thin layer of PSA (Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive) to ensure adhesion to surfaces without requiring additional compression force during installation.
Product recommendations:
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t-Global T68 Artificial Graphite Pad | JONES 21-670-0017PA synthetic TIM graphite |
TIM graphite
TIM (Thermal Interface Material) graphite functions as a thermal management material, offering both heat conduction along the Z-axis and enhanced heat spreading across flat surfaces. This allows heat to transfer more efficiently from the source and dissipate quickly across the product’s surface area.
With its foam-like structure, TIM graphite easily compresses into gaps between two surfaces, improving thermal contact and filling small voids. It is often die-cut into custom shapes to fit specific design requirements.
- Unlike graphite heat spreaders, TIM graphite is typically not coated with adhesive layers for better adhesion. Instead, it is secured in place using screws or fasteners integrated into the product design. Additionally, TIM graphite is highly heat-resistant, making it a preferred choice for power modules and high-temperature applications.
Product recommendations:
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Jonestech 21-655-0070 | Vietape GP430 Series |
How to Choose the Right Graphite Sheet?
Selecting the appropriate graphite material for your application requires careful consideration of the final product and various factors related to thermal management design, including:
- Heat dissipation mechanisms
- Retention design
- Operating temperature
- Clamping pressure
- Post-machining surface finish
- Device operating conditions
- Production costs
The choice of graphite material depends on the specific application requirements and environmental conditions. Each type of material offers unique advantages, catering to different needs during manufacturing and product use.
With years of expertise in providing specialized industrial materials, Prostech is ready to assist customers in selecting the most suitable graphite material and delivering integrated solutions for production lines to optimize manufacturing efficiency. Contact us for consultation!