Graphite Films
The Keratherm® S 900 is a high-performance thermal film made from 100% natural graphite, specifically engineered for applications that do not require electrical insulation. It is highly anisotropic, meaning its thermal conductivity is significantly higher along its horizontal plane (up to 200 W/mK) than through its thickness (7.5 W/mK), allowing it to effectively “flatten” localized hot spots. While the base material is naturally non-sticky, it can be customized with various adhesive coatings—including a standard adhesive or a specialized filled adhesive for improved heat transfer—to facilitate long-term attachment and ease of assembly.
Superior Anisotropic Heat Spreading
Unlike standard materials, these films are highly anisotropic, conducting heat up to 200–400 W/mK along the x-y plane. This allows them to act as efficient “heat spreaders” that rapidly move thermal energy away from localized hot spots to cooler areas of the device.
Extreme Temperature Resistance
Engineered for stability in harsh environments, these graphite films maintain their structural and thermal integrity at temperatures up to 500°C. This makes them ideal for high-heat applications where traditional silicone-based pads might degrade or outgas.
Flexible Form Factor
With thicknesses available as low as 0.15 mm, these films offer a highly flexible, low-profile solution for compact electronics. They provide excellent surface compliance without the mess of thermal grease, ensuring long-term mechanical stability in tight spaces.
Why should i use Graphite Material?
Ultra-Low Interfacial Resistance: Graphite’s unique structure allows it to conform to surface irregularities at a microscopic level. This minimizes contact resistance, creating a more efficient thermal bridge than standard pre-cured films.
Zero Outgassing & Dry-Out: Being 100% natural graphite, these films contain no silicone or plasticizers. They will never leak oils or become brittle, making them ideal for high-reliability aerospace or optical applications.
Natural EMI Shielding: In addition to thermal management, the conductive nature of graphite provides inherent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, helping to suppress electronic noise in high-density assemblies.
Ultralight Weight-to-Performance: Graphite offers a significantly lower density than traditional ceramic-filled elastomers. It delivers maximum thermal performance with minimal added mass for weight-critical devices.
Who is Kerafol®?
A family-run specialist in thermal management and technical ceramics, KERAFOL® leverages decades of expertise to develop high-performance, sustainable solutions for future technologies. Through state-of-the-art manufacturing and dedicated consulting, they provide customized, “cool” electronics support across the mobility and industrial sectors.
Graphite Film
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keratherm® S 900 and how does it differ from standard thermal pads?
Keratherm® S 900 is a synthetic graphite film designed specifically for high-performance heat spreading. Unlike standard silicone thermal pads that primarily focus on vertical heat transfer between a component and a heat sink, S 900 is engineered for lateral heat distribution. This allows the material to take concentrated heat from a small source and spread it across a much larger surface area, effectively eliminating localized hot spots in compact electronic environments.
How does the thermal conductivity vary across the material?
This material is highly anisotropic, which means its thermal properties are not the same in all directions. In the horizontal or in-plane direction (X-Y axis), it provides exceptional thermal conductivity of up to 400 W/mK. In contrast, the vertical or through-plane conductivity (Z-axis) is much lower, typically ranging between 7 and 10 W/mK. This specific behavior makes it a perfect tool for moving heat away from a heat-sensitive area and toward the edges of a device.
Is Keratherm® S 900 electrically conductive?
Yes, it is important to note that Keratherm® S 900 is electrically conductive because it is composed of carbon-based graphite. Design engineers must ensure that the film is placed in a way that it does not bridge exposed electrical contacts or traces, as this could lead to short circuits. If your specific application requires electrical insulation, the film must be used with additional insulating layers or specific safety clearances.
Can this material be customized for complex device layouts?
The material is incredibly versatile due to its thin profile, usually around 0.2 mm, and its paper-like flexibility. It can be easily die-cut into intricate geometries to fit the specific footprint of a circuit board. Furthermore, it is available with various adhesive options, such as single-sided or double-sided coatings, which allow for secure and permanent placement during the assembly process of small-scale electronics.
What are the most common applications for these graphite films?
Keratherm® S 900 is most frequently used in the telecommunications and consumer electronics sectors. Common examples include smartphones, tablets, and ultra-thin laptops where space is too limited for traditional cooling fans or bulky heat sinks. It is also widely utilized in LED displays to ensure uniform temperature across the screen and in power modules where rapid heat dissipation is required to maintain the longevity of semiconductors.
As thermal demands rise with miniaturization, MH&W’s Thermal Division provides the expertise and Keratherm® materials necessary to prevent system failure. Contact our engineers for technical support, request an RFQ, or purchase standard sheets directly from our online shop.