Thermal Interface Materials

What are thermal interface materials?
Thermal interface materials (TIM) are materials that are used to transfer heat within electric assemblies. This is crucial for the safety of your electronics, as overheating can cause a fire hazard or hinder the performance of your device.
TIM is added between two components to improve the thermal coupling between them. Some TIMs have an adhesive layer making them easier to apply.
How do thermal interface materials work?
The roughness of two surfaces in contact with each other creates air pockets. TIM replaces these air pockets for better thermal conductivity. Heat will efficiently conduct across the entire surface and this improves heat transfer away from the heat source.