Thermal interface
AssigneeEnergy Science Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsTimothy R. Knowles, Christopher L. Seaman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thermal interface includes nanofibrils. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of larger diameter fibers. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled nanotubes.
Claims17
A composite material comprising:
- a first fiber having a cross sectional diameter of greater than about 3 microns;
- and
- a plurality of elongated second fibers having a cross sectional diameter of less than approximately 1 micron wherein the plurality of second fibers are in contact with the first fiber.
A method of making a composite material comprising attaching whiskers having a diameter of less than about 1 micron to the tips of fibers having a diameter of greater than about 3 microns.
A method of making a composite material comprising:
- cutting a plurality of first fibers;
- sputtering a nickel film onto at least the tips of said plurality of first fibers;
- and
- growing a plurality of second fibers on the tips.
A composite material comprising:
- a plurality of fibers having first and second ends, said fibers being predominantly aligned;
- and
- a carbon fiber material located predominantly proximate to said first end, said carbon fiber material forming a pliable contact surface being substantially parallel with said first end, said pliable contact surface having a higher degree of mechanical resilience than the plurality of fibers in response to application of an external load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.