An attractive alternative to the classic mica-washer-plus-grease
is provided by greaseless silicone-based insulators that are
loaded with a dispersion of thermally conductive compound,
usually boron nitride or aluminum oxide. They're clean and dry,
and easy to use; you don't get white slimy stuff all over your
hands, your electronic device, and your clothes. You save lots
of time. They have thermal resistances of about 0.2-0.4 degrees
per watt, comparable to values with the messy method. Bergquist
calls its product "Sil-Pad," Chomerics calls its "Cho-Therm," SPC
calls it "Koolex," and Thermalloy calls its "Thermasil." We've
been using these insulators, and we like them.