Nanographite-Based Thermal Interface Materials for Efficient Thermal Management of High-Power LED Luminaires in Public Settings

• Grant number: 25/12729-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical Materials
• Principal Investigator: Alex Chaves de Souza
• Grantee: Alex Chaves de Souza
• Principal investigators: Luis Melchert Faber Schmutzler

Abstract

Brazil has 18 million public lighting points. Currently, the use of incandescent lamps still accounts for a significant portion of this total, with 80% needing modernization. However, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) produce the same luminosity with 70% lower energy cost. Therefore, in the coming years, there will be an accelerated migration to LEDs, aiming to increase energy efficiency and sustainability. The superior performance of LED lighting systems is due to their low operational voltage, high luminosity, and efficiency. The dissipation of heat generated during LED operation influences their performance. Exposure to high temperatures decreases their luminosity and lifespan, potentially resulting in catastrophic failures. Therefore, efficient heat dissipation is vital to maintain LED performance and extend their lifespan, as well as enabling their operation with less energy waste and greater safety. In general terms, an LED has the luminescent component, the heat sink, and the interface between these two components. The inefficiency of heat dissipation results from the low thermal conductivity of the interface between the luminescent component and the heat sink. The main challenge of this project is to develop a Thermal Interface Material (TIM) that exhibits low thermal contact resistance, good adhesion, high thermal conductivity, in addition to low cost and long lifespan.The thermal interface material in the form of a thin flexible sheet is positioned between the LED substrate and the heat sink plate. The search for optimized TIMs to improve the performance, reliability, and lifespan of LEDs has triggered active research worldwide over the past few years. This project consists of developing a new advanced material, a composite with these optimized properties in the form of pastes and films, focused on thermal management applications with superior properties.To achieve high thermal conductivity, thermally conductive fillers based on nanographite, a strategic and low-cost national mineral, will be used. These fillers will be incorporated into a polymeric matrix that facilitates their application between the luminescent component and the heat sink. The new advanced materials based on nanographite/polymer composites with high thermal conductivity will be manufactured using an innovative approach, optimizing the proportions of polymeric matrix/thermal filler and the composite's properties. CELERA, a leader in the development of thermal management materials in Brazil, aims to continuously invest in research and development, staying at the forefront of technological innovations in the sector. The strategic partnership with CCSNano at UNICAMP (which is part of this project) reinforces CELERA's ability to develop innovative and effective solutions. CELERA is ready to expand its presence in the global market for advanced TIMs for thermal management in the LED luminaire sector, which is the focus of this project. (AU)