Boron Nitride Nanotube Composites for Pliable Thermal Interface Material Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Topic No.: N181-078 Topic Title: Boron Nitride Nanotube Composites for Pliable Thermal Interface Material Proposal No.: N181-078-1073 Firm: Mainstream Engineering Corporation 200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, Florida 32955 Contact: Michael Cutbirth Phone: (321) 631-3550 Web Site: http://www.mainstream-engr.com Abstract: For this research program, Mainstream will develop a nanocomposite thermal interface material (TIM) combining the benefits of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) for use with Navy-relevant power conversion components. The overall goal of the SBIR program is to develop a usable product with the following characteristics: robust to vibration and abrasion, non-permanent bonding, high dielectric strength, and high thermal conductance. Our approach will yield a conformable TIM with a thermal conductivity >20 W/m2-K and dielectric constant 1 mm) without degradation of performance. For the Phase I Base effort, we will produce, characterize, and demonstrate BNNT/CNF TIMs with thermal footprints as large as 8 cm2. The Phase II will focus of refinement of production, scalability, and evaluation using military standard test procedures as well as development of a thermal paste based upon the composition identified during the Phase I effort. Benefits: With the advent of solid-state electronics, manufacturers have continued to increase power outputs while decreasing size yielding a substantial increase in the power density. Poor thermal management of these systems leads to more than 55% of electronic failures with said failure rate increasing exponentially with increasing junction temperature. Our approach will deliver a highly compliant, reworkable thermal interface material (TIM) that is tolerant to gap size with a thermal conductance and electrical resistance meeting Navy specifications. In addition to military power conversion systems, the developed TIM will find relevance to almost all industries including the computer, automotive, semiconductor, and aerospace fields with applications in computer integrated circuitry, lasers, LED lighting, and photovoltaics. Return