Types Of High Thermal Conductivity Insulators

When it comes to the design of components, engineers use a variety of materials that offer different thermal properties. One important factor is a material’s thermal conductivity, which describes how easily heat passes through the material. This property is important, as it allows engineers to select the best material for an application. For example, a highly conductive material like copper is ideal for conducting heat to a heat sink, while a low thermal conductivity material such as ceramic is an excellent insulator.

Efficient Thermal Management in Electronics is calculated by dividing its temperature difference by its thermal resistance. This value is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m-K) and can be measured using a thermal conductivity sensor. The higher the thermal conductivity, the more efficient the material is at transferring heat.

In most cases, a material’s thermal conductivity increases in direct proportion to its thickness. Therefore, thinner materials have lower thermal conductivities. For instance, a block of aluminum has a much lower thermal conductivity than an equal-sized block of steel.

Typically, a non-metallic material with a low thermal conductivity will also have a low specific heat, meaning it takes a large amount of energy to raise its temperature. This helps to prevent the spread of heat through the material, which could damage its structural integrity.

Many types of insulating materials are also good binders, meaning that they can hold other materials together. This helps them maintain their insulating properties, even when they are subjected to high temperatures. Examples of binders include silicones, urethanes and acrylics. Some of these binders have low thermal conductivities as well, which allows them to transfer some heat.

The best insulators have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which prevents them from expanding or contracting as the surrounding material changes in temperature. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the material, and it is another important aspect of their performance.

High-performance thermal interface materials are a blend of binders, fillers and other additives that are used to form a uniform layer between the heat spreading device and components. These materials are designed to provide mechanical, thermal and electrical performance.

Xometry offers a range of thermally conductive products for thermal management, including phase change materials and graphite foils. We also provide high-temperature insulators that can withstand the harsh conditions of power electronics applications. Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote online to get started. Xometry offers prototyping, manufacturing and other value-added services for all of your needs. Our team of experts is always ready to help you bring your ideas to life. We look forward to hearing from you soon.