Nanotube Forests Grown On Silicon Chips For Future Computers, Electronics

PhysOrg.com, October 3, 2007
Purdue engineers have shown how to grow forests of carbon nanotubes onto the surfaces of computer chips to enhance the flow of heat at a critical point where the chips connect to heat sinks.

Researchers are trying to develop new types of thermal interface materials that conduct heat more efficiently than conventional materials, improving overall performance and helping to meet cooling needs of future chips that will produce more heat than current microprocessors. The materials, which are sandwiched between silicon chips and the metal heat sinks, fill gaps and irregularities between the chip and metal surfaces to enhance heat flow between the two.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071001152247.htm