A conformable paste comprising porous agglomerates of carbon black
dispersed in a paste-forming vehicle is disclosed. The paste is useful as
an interface material for improving the thermal contact between two
proximate solid surfaces, such as the surfaces of a heat source and a
heat sink. Upon compression between the two solid surfaces, the paste
forms a material that enhances the thermal contact between said surfaces.
This invention also discloses a conformable interface material which,
upon compression between two proximate solid surfaces, forms a material
that enhances the thermal contact between said surfaces. This interface
material comprises (i) a sheet and (ii) a conformable, spreadable and
thermally conductive paste on each of the two opposite sides of the
sheet, said paste comprising porous agglomerates of carbon black
dispersed in a paste-forming vehicle. In addition, a method of providing
a thermal contact between two solid surfaces is disclosed. This method
comprises disposing between and in contact with said surfaces a material
comprising: a conformable, spreadable and thermally conductive paste
comprising porous agglomerates of carbon black dispersed in a
paste-forming vehicle, and applying a pressure to cause said material to
conform to the topography of said surfaces.