A method for providing for thermal conduction using an array of carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). An array of vertically oriented CNTs is grown on a
substrate having high thermal conductivity, and interstitial regions
between adjacent CNTs in the array are partly or wholly filled with a
filler material having a high thermal conductivity so that at least one
end of each CNT is exposed. The exposed end of each CNT is pressed
against a surface of an object from which heat is to be removed. The
CNT-filler composite adjacent to the substrate provides improved
mechanical strength to anchor CNTs in place and also serves as a heat
spreader to improve diffusion of heat flux from the smaller volume (CNTs)
to a larger heat sink.