US Patent 7393428 Method for making a thermal interface material

A thermal interface material includes a matrix, a plurality of carbon nanotubes, and at least one phase change layer. The matrix includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The carbon nanotubes are embedded in the matrix uniformly. The carbon nanotubes extend from the first surface to the second surface and have two opposite ends. At least one of the two opposite ends of the carbon nanotubes is exposed out of one of the first and second surfaces of the matrix. The at least one phase change layer is formed on the exposed end of the carbon nanotubes.