W/mk Explained
The value that everyone wants to know
Watts per meter-kelvin (W/mk) is the quintessential value in the world of TIMs. It’s the big, shiny thing that everyone wants to know and suppliers want to maximize. We have a comprehensive explanation of this in our learning section here, and I highly recommend you read it. But this post aims to give the basics,, in scientific terms.
W/mk is a unit of thermal conductivity, which is a measure of how well a material conducts heat. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are used to improve the heat transfer between two surfaces. They do this by filling in any gaps between the surfaces and by providing a good thermal conductivity path.
Thermal conductivity is measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mk). A higher thermal conductivity value means that the material is a better conductor of heat. For example, copper has a thermal conductivity of 401 W/mk, while air has a thermal conductivity of 0.026 W/mk.
TIMs are typically made of materials with high thermal conductivity, such as silicone, graphite, and diamond. They are also designed to be conformable, so that they can fill in any gaps between the surfaces. For the vast majority of electronic uses cases, we will be squarely in the silicone and, sometimes, polyurethane realm.
The use of TIMs can significantly improve the heat transfer between two surfaces. In some cases, the use of a TIM can reduce the thermal resistance by up to 50%. This can lead to a significant improvement in the performance of the device or system.
Here are some of the benefits of using TIMs:
- Improved heat transfer between two surfaces
- Reduced thermal resistance
- Increased efficiency of devices and systems
- Longer lifespan of devices and systems
TIMs are a critical component in the thermal management of electronic devices and systems. By improving the heat transfer between two surfaces, TIMs can help to improve the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of these devices.
As always, reach out to us and we can get you moving in the right direction on this. TIMSOURCE has a network of suppliers we can connect you with and will facilitate a quick turnaround of material selection and sampling.