A research team led by Dr. Hyun-Ae Cha from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed a groundbreaking composite material for heat dissipation. This innovative material combines eco-friendliness and cost-effective processing, utilizing a unique protein foaming technique inspired by egg whites. The resulting structure significantly enhances thermal conductivity, achieving levels up to 2.6 times higher than traditional heat-dissipating composites.
As electronic devices become increasingly advanced and compact, the heat they produce poses a major challenge. Effective thermal management is critical, particularly in applications like electric vehicles (EVs), where inadequate battery cooling can lead to performance issues and safety hazards. The newly developed material features a three-dimensional magnesium oxide (MgO) structure that facilitates rapid heat transfer through efficient thermal pathways.
Conventional thermal interface materials (TIMs) typically rely on a polymer matrix with randomly dispersed thermally conductive fillers. This approach often results in ineffective thermal pathways, limiting performance. The KIMS research team overcame these limitations by employing a protein foaming process that creates a dense, interconnected network of particles. By harnessing the properties of egg-white proteins that expand at elevated temperatures, the team achieved continuous thermal pathways, enhancing the material’s heat dissipation capabilities.
The composite material demonstrates a thermal conductivity of 17.19 W/m·K, showcasing its exceptional performance. Notably, despite using lightweight and cost-effective magnesium oxide, this new composite outperforms commonly used aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and nitride-based materials. By integrating the composite with epoxy resin, the researchers produced a practical solution suitable for real-world applications.
This advancement is poised to enhance the performance and stability of various high-heat-generating devices, such as electronic equipment, semiconductor packages, EV batteries, 5G communication devices, and high-performance servers. The domestic market for TIMs in South Korea is projected to exceed KRW 200 billion annually, but it remains heavily reliant on imports. The commercialization of this innovative technology could significantly bolster South Korea’s self-reliance in thermal management materials.
Dr. Cha emphasized the significance of their findings, stating, “Through the protein foaming–based process, we can produce high–thermal–conductivity materials in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way.” She further noted, “This study serves as a strong example demonstrating the feasibility of developing lightweight, high-performance heat-dissipating materials.”
This research, funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), was published on May 28, 2023, in the prestigious journal Advanced Science, which has an impact factor of 15.1. The study was also selected as the cover article for Volume 12, Issue 33, highlighting its significance in the field.
The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) is a non-profit research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. As the only institute specializing in comprehensive materials technologies in Korea, KIMS plays a vital role in advancing the country’s industrial capabilities through extensive research and development activities.
