Method for enhancing thermal conductivity could cool computer chips, lasers and other devices

The surprising discovery of a new way to change thermal conductivity – a basic property generally considered fixed for any specific material – gives engineers a new tool for managing thermal effects in smart phones, computers, lasers and a number of other powered devices. Researchers discovered that the thermal conductivity of a pair of thin strips of material called boron nanoribbons can be enhanced by up to 45 percent depending on the process used to stick the two ribbons together. Although the research was conducted with boron nanoribbons, the results are generally applicable to other thin film materials.

SOURCE: Vanderbilt Press Release