Graphene Thermal Strap for Electronic Component Cooling Application

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project was to study different types of heat-conducting graphene bands for cooling, in military, space and aviation contexts. The project has largely focused on developing and improving the graphene material in the band. Material and process have been characterized using e.g. XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman and FT-IR. The characterization shows a clear graphene structure. Production of a simple demonstrator for evaluation of heat-conducting graphene ribbons compared to aluminum and copper ribbons, as well as short heat pipes, has also been carried out with good results.

Expected long term effects

The project has largely focused on developing and improving the graphene material in the band. Material and process have been characterized using e.g. XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman and FT-IR. The thermal conductivity has been investigated in some commercially available options for "thermal management", such as aluminum and copper tapes, as well as short heat-pipes and compared with heat-conducting graphene tapes, in a simple demonstrator. The thermally conductive graphene tape proved to meet our expectations.

Approach and implementation

The plan was ambitious and well described in the project plan. It was based on a feasibility study and a previous Vinnova-funded project with graphene. The pandemic forced us to make some changes relative to the project plan, and due to restrictions physical meetings or travel were not allowed. It was also not possible to purchase certain equipment and this made the implementation of the project difficult.