Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Heat-Dissipating Material from Egg Whites

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Hyun-Ae Cha from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), has developed a groundbreaking composite material that enhances heat dissipation while remaining eco-friendly and cost-effective. Utilizing a unique protein foaming process inspired by egg whites, the team created a three-dimensional magnesium oxide (MgO) structure that significantly improves thermal conductivity.

The new composite material boasts a thermal conductivity of 17.19 W/m·K, which is up to 2.6 times higher than traditional heat-dissipating composites. As electronics become more advanced and compact, efficient thermal management is crucial. This is especially true for electric vehicles (EVs), where inadequate battery cooling can lead to performance issues or even hazardous incidents like fires.

Effective thermal management systems rely heavily on Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs), which facilitate heat dissipation. Conventional TIMs typically involve mixing thermally conductive fillers into a polymer matrix. This method often results in randomly dispersed fillers that hinder thermal pathways, ultimately limiting performance. While increasing filler content can enhance conductivity, it also complicates processing and raises costs, making scalability a challenge.

To overcome these obstacles, the research team employed a protein foaming technique that forms a dense and uniform particle network. The egg-white proteins expand under high temperatures, creating a continuous three-dimensional network that maintains uninterrupted thermal pathways. This innovation has resulted in a TIM that effectively manages heat transfer, enhancing the performance of high-heat-generating devices.

Market Impact and Future Applications

The implications of this advancement extend beyond theoretical applications. The technology is expected to bolster the performance and stability of various devices, including electronic equipment, semiconductor packages, EV batteries, 5G communication devices, and high-performance servers. In South Korea, the domestic market for TIMs is projected to exceed KRW 200 billion annually, yet the country remains reliant on imports. The commercialization of this new material could significantly contribute to South Korea’s technological self-sufficiency in thermal management solutions.

Dr. Cha emphasized the dual advantages of their innovation, stating, “Through the protein foaming–based process, we can produce high–thermal–conductivity materials in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way.” She added that this research exemplifies the potential for creating lightweight, high-performance heat-dissipating materials.

The research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) as part of the Nano Materials Technology Development Program. Findings from this study were published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science on May 28, 2023, and the article was featured as the cover piece for Volume 12, Issue 33.

KIMS continues to play a vital role in advancing materials science in South Korea, supporting various industries through research and development, testing, and technology assistance. The success of this project further underscores the institute’s reputation as a leader in innovative materials technology.