Thermal interface material having a zone-coated release linear

A thermal management assembly comprising a thermal dissipation member having a heat transfer surface which has a margin;

• and a thermal interface pad, said pad comprising:
• a layer of a thermally-conductive material having a first surface and a second surface bonded to the heat transfer surface of the thermal dissipation member;
• and
• a release liner having an exterior surface and an interior surface disposed in adhering contact with the first surface of said thermally-conductive material, said interior surface having one or more first zones defined thereon within the margin of the heat transfer surface which exhibit a first release value relative to the first surface of said thermally-conductive material, and having one or more second zones within the margin of the heat transfer surface bounded by said first zones which second zones exhibit a second release value relative to the first surface of said thermally-conductive material which is lower than the first release value of said first zones,
• whereby said release liner is removable from the first surface of said thermally-conductive material without substantial cohesive or adhesive failure thereof.