In today's demanding thermal management and electronic applications, finding a material that offers superior performance, reliability, and versatility is crucial. Our Graphite Sheets represent the pinnacle of engineered carbon materials, designed to meet the rigorous challenges of modern technology. These sheets are manufactured using high-purity natural graphite or advanced synthetic graphite processes, resulting in a material with exceptional thermal conductivity, electrical properties, and mechanical flexibility. Unlike traditional thermal interface materials (TIMs) like greases or pads, graphite sheets provide a solid-state solution that eliminates issues of pump-out, drying, or migration over time. They are an indispensable component for engineers and designers working in sectors where heat is the primary enemy of performance and longevity.
The unique layered structure of graphite allows for anisotropic properties, meaning it conducts heat exceptionally well in the planar direction (X-Y axis) while providing good electrical insulation through the thickness (Z-axis). This makes our graphite sheets ideal for spreading heat away from hot spots, such as CPUs, GPUs, power amplifiers, and LEDs, towards heat sinks or chassis walls. Their lightweight nature and conformability ensure excellent surface contact even on uneven surfaces, minimizing thermal resistance. Whether you are developing the next generation of smartphones, high-power LED lighting systems, automotive battery packs, or aerospace electronics, integrating our graphite sheets can lead to significant improvements in thermal performance, product reliability, and miniaturization.
To ensure you select the perfect graphite sheet for your application, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of our standard product parameters. Our sheets are available in various grades tailored for specific performance requirements, from standard commercial applications to high-reliability military and aerospace projects.
| Property | Standard Grade | High-Performance Grade | Test Method / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Plane Thermal Conductivity | 300 - 600 W/m·K | 800 - 1,800 W/m·K | ASTM E1461, Laser Flash |
| Through-Plane Thermal Conductivity | 5 - 20 W/m·K | 10 - 30 W/m·K | ASTM E1461, Laser Flash |
| Thickness Range | 0.05 mm - 3.0 mm | 0.025 mm - 1.5 mm | Micrometer |
| Tensile Strength | > 4.0 MPa | > 6.5 MPa | ASTM D882 |
| Compressibility | 5 - 15% | 7 - 25% | ASTM D575 |
| Electrical Resistivity (In-Plane) | 1.0 x 10-5 Ω·m | 8.0 x 10-6 Ω·m | Four-Point Probe Method |
| Dielectric Strength (Through-Plane) | > 2.0 kV/mm | > 3.5 kV/mm | ASTM D149 |
| Shore Hardness | 10 - 30 (Type OO) | 5 - 20 (Type OO) | ASTM D2240 |
Q: What are the primary advantages of using graphite sheets over traditional thermal pads or greases?
A: Graphite sheets offer several key advantages. Their in-plane thermal conductivity is significantly higher, often 5 to 10 times greater than silicone pads, allowing for highly efficient heat spreading. They are solid-state and dry, so there is no risk of pump-out, drying, or contamination over the product's lifetime, which is a common failure mode for greases. They are also much thinner and lighter, contributing to product miniaturization. Furthermore, they can be easily handled and die-cut without the mess associated with thermal greases.
Q: Are graphite sheets electrically conductive?
A: This is a critical distinction. Graphite sheets are highly electrically conductive in the planar (in-plane) direction. This means if a sheet bridges two electrical components on a circuit board, it could cause a short circuit. However, they act as an electrical insulator in the through-plane direction (through their thickness). For applications requiring electrical isolation, it is essential to use our sheets with a dielectric adhesive or laminate, or to ensure the sheet's placement does not create an electrical path between components.
Q: How do I handle and install graphite sheets?
A: Graphite sheets are flexible but can be delicate, especially in thinner gauges. It is recommended to handle them with clean gloves or tweezers to prevent contamination from skin oils. They can be easily cut with sharp scissors, blades, or die-cut. For installation, if the sheet does not have a pre-applied adhesive, a thin layer of thermally conductive but electrically insulating adhesive or a mechanical fixation method (clips, frames) can be used. Ensure the surfaces are clean and the sheet makes full, even contact for optimal thermal performance.
Q: Can graphite sheets be used in high-vibration or mechanically stressful environments?
A: While graphite sheets have good tensile strength for their weight, they are not as mechanically robust as metal shims. Under extreme vibration or repeated mechanical stress, thinner sheets could potentially tear. For such demanding environments, we recommend using our sheets with a reinforcing laminate, such as a copper or aluminum foil, or opting for a slightly thicker grade. The compressibility of the sheet also helps it absorb some mechanical shock and maintain contact under vibration.
Q: What is the operational lifetime of a graphite sheet?
A: When operated within their specified temperature and environmental limits, graphite sheets have an exceptionally long operational lifetime. As a purely carbon-based material, they do not degrade, harden, or outgas like polymer-based pads or greases. Their performance remains stable for the duration of the product's life, making them suitable for applications where long-term reliability is non-negotiable, such as in telecommunications infrastructure, automotive systems, and aerospace electronics.
Q: How does the thermal performance of graphite sheets compare to copper?
A: While copper has a high bulk thermal conductivity (around 400 W/m·K), our high-performance graphite sheets can exceed 1500 W/m·K in the in-plane direction, making them far superior for spreading heat across a surface. However, copper is isotropic (conducts equally in all directions) and has higher through-plane conductivity. Graphite sheets are also about 4-5 times lighter than copper and more flexible. The choice depends on the application: graphite is ideal for dissipating heat from a concentrated source, while copper is better for conducting heat through a thick structure.
Q: Are there any specific storage conditions for graphite sheets?
A: Graphite sheets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of ozone or strong oxidizing agents. They are generally stable, but to prevent any potential oxidation at the edges over very long periods, storage in their original packaging is recommended. Keep them flat to avoid creasing or permanent curling, especially for very thin sheets.
