Thermally Conductive Tape Based on Carbon Nanotube Array, Phase I

Future NASA missions require thermal control systems that can accommodate large changes in ambient temperature. The two essential aspects of an effective thermal interface material (TIM) are high compliance and high thermal conductivity. Thermal interface materials (TIM) are often used to fill the cavities between mating surfaces to increase the thermal conductance across the interface. Traditional TIMs are polymer based composites such as thermal grease or paste. The nature of polymer matrices makes them inapplicable under vacuum and in a cryogenic environment. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a flexible thermally-conductive tape. The proposed innovation forms a versatile, vacuum-proof, thermally conductive tape. The tape is pliable and should conform to the contours of the interface. Carbo nanotubes bridge the two mating surfaces, thereby effectively conducting heat across the interface.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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