Understanding thermal interface materials

The automotive industry’s swift transition to electrification, connectivity and automated driving will likely increase the use of thermal interface materials in vehicles. This is due to the growing need for sensors and electronic components in such vehicles. These materials are crucial to managing heat distribution, ensuring the efficient operation of the electronic systems that are integral to these modern automotive technologies.

The thermal management system of an electric vehicle consists of various components such as heat pumps, coolers, radiators, heat exchangers and hoses. However, less attention is given to the thermal interface material (TIM). This crucial component ensures the efficient functioning of the thermal management system by facilitating effective heat transfer.