[Amps] making aluminum heat sinks black

[Paul Christensen]

> "The black color only has to do with infrared radiation, the same as 
> white, and nothing to do with the heat transfer from the device to the 
> heatsink....The term insulator is the key word here (electrical or heat) 
> where I think it can actually impede the thermal transfer between the 
> device and heatsink by some amount. I would rather have that junction be 
> bare aluminum...,

Agreed, Will.  If you look my original message, I was speaking in terms of 
heat dissipation and not device heat transfer.

I found some information concerning heat-sink design that may be of interest 
for those engaged in the discussion.  However, like anything else found on 
the web, its use as an authoritative source should be considered suspect 
until verified.  Nevertheless, the author does make some good points 
concerning practical heat-sink applications, and includes some comparisons 
between different materials and coatings.

http://sound.westhost.com/heatsinks.htm#15

http://sound.westhost.com/heatsinks.htm

Paul, W9AC