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polymer materials are often used as heat insulators, but they are also formulated to be thermally conductive. heat conducting polymers have been in development for years. the thermal conductivity of polymers is typically 0.1-0.3 w/mk. adding thermal fillers to the compounds can increase thermal performance by modest levels.

for some polymers, thermal conductivity is dramatically higher, but these materials are typically not available at market competitive prices. still, polymers have several desirable features for use in providing heat transfer. compared with metal heat conductors, polymers are easier to shape, lighter in weight, water resistant and offer some compressibility. 

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