Thermal conductive grease is a compound that is typically electrically insulating and thermally conducting, i.e. heat transfer can occur through such a compound. These compounds are commonly employed as interface materials between the source of heat and heat sinks. Thermal conductive grease is known by several alternative names such as heat paste, thermal compound, thermal interface material (TIM), heat sink compound, thermal paste, or thermal gel. The basic function of thermal conductive grease is to remove air spaces or gaps from the interface area. They play the role of thermal insulators and facilitate maximize heat transfer.
Electronic surfaces are not smooth. Microscopic blemishes are present on any surface. This reduces heat flow and increases contact resistance. These gaps or roughness of the surface inhibit effective heat transfer, which can potentially lead to device failure. TIMs that have low flowing properties can leave voids, which inhibit heat transfer. Thermal conductive grease, however, completely fills the micro-gaps (due to matrix composition). This ensures that vital parts of a component are protected from the flow of heat.
Key attributes that ensure good performance of thermal conductive grease are thermal conductivity and resistance, bond line thickness, processing ability, and re-workability. Thermal conductive grease is applied in a wide range of industrial applications including power components and supplies, broadcasting equipment, ignition modules, computer equipment, audio amplifiers, power resistors, semi-conductor mounting devices, transistor diodes, thermal joints, and ballast heat transfer mediums.
Key Drivers and Restraints of Global Thermal Conductive Grease Market
Rise in demand for thermal conductive grease in the electrical & electronics industry is expected to drive the market, as thermal conductive grease helps draw heat away from electronic & electrical devices, thus contributing to improved operational efficiency and reliability of electronics and electrical components
Growth in consumer spending on electronic device is driving the demand for thermal conductive grease, as the grease protects electronic devices from overheating and other damages. Increase in generation and distribution of electricity has boosted the demand for electrical equipment. This is further expected to drive the market.
Rise in demand for thermal conductive grease in the LED lighting industry is also anticipated to boost the market. Governments of various countries are planning to phase out CFL lights and adopt energy efficient lighting systems. This is estimated to drive the demand for of LED lighting, thereby propelling the demand for thermal conductive grease.
Thermal Conductive Grease: Type Segment
In terms of type, the global market can be segmented into silicone-based grease and non-silicone-based grease
The silicone-based grease segment accounted for significant share of the global thermal conductive grease market in 2020. Silicone greases are economical and are capable of withstanding higher temperatures. Silicone greases are widely used in end-use industries such as power electronics, LED lighting, and automotive. Thus, rise in demand for silicone grease in end-use industries is expected to drive the segment.
Thermal Conductive Grease: End-use Segment
In terms of end-use, the global thermal conductive grease market can be segmented into automotive, electrical & electronics, energy & power, telecommunications & IT, and others (including medical & office equipment)
The electrical & electronics segment accounted for significant share of the global thermal conductive grease market in 2020. Rapid growth of the electrical & electronics industry in developing economies of Asia Pacific is expected to drive the segment in the near future.
Covid-19 Impact on Thermal Conductive Grease Market
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Originating in China, the virus has spread to at least 213 countries and territories around the world.
Thermal conductive grease is widely used in industries such as automotive, electrical & electronics, energy & power, and telecommunications & IT. These industries have been severely affected by the ongoing pandemic. Manpower shortage, logistical restrictions, disturbance in supply chain, and other restrictions have slowed the growth of these industries. This has further affected the demand for thermal conductive grease.
Asia Pacific to Dominate Thermal Conductive Grease Market
In terms of region, the global thermal conductive grease market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
Asia Pacific led the thermal conductive grease market in 2020. Rise in demand for thermal conductive grease in different end-use industries, primarily in China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is driving the thermal conductive grease market in Asia Pacific. The automotive industry is a major application segment of the market in the region. It is expanding at a rapid pace. This is boosting the demand for thermal conductive grease. Asia Pacific is a major hub for the production of electrical & electronics products. This is further expected to propel the thermal conductive grease market in the region.
Key Manufacturers Operating in Global Thermal Conductive Grease Market
The global thermal conductive grease market was consolidated in 2020. Major players have prominent presence in developed and developing countries. Key manufacturers operating in the global thermal conductive grease market include:
3M
Dow Corning Corporation,
Parker Hannifin Corp
Laird Technologies
ACC Silicones Ltd (A CHT Group company)
LORD Corporation
Wacker Chemie AG
PolySi Technologies Inc.
Global Thermal Conductive Grease Market: Research Scope
Global Thermal Conductive Grease Market, by Type
Silicone-based Grease
Non-silicone-based Grease
Global Thermal Conductive Grease Market, by End-use
Automotive
Electrical & Electronics
Energy & Power
Telecommunications & IT
Others (including Medical & Office Equipment)
Like it? Share it!
About the Author
aartimule Joined: April 16th, 2020 Articles Posted: 1,188
