Yea, thanks for jumping in while I was at work 
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Kapton and Mica both have significantly lower thermal resistance and usually higher electrical resistance than the silicon-based products - both desirable properties in such an insulator. Thermalsil and similar products are not as good at doing their job, but they're a lot more convenient and can be more reliable since there are less variables involved. They also make products more conducive to automated assembly. I believe the reason grease is required with mica/thermalfilm is that these materials are quite uncompressible, so pressure won't deform them to fill microscopic voids - this can significantly reduce the surface contact area.
Whenever you're looking at a product like this, the safe assumption to make is that thermal grease is required, not requiring it is a major feature and it'll be mentioned for sure.
Definitely better to err on the side of using grease if you're unsure, but it will still increase the thermal resistance of the insulator. If the insulator doesn't require it, you're adding an extra interface (two, actually) and thus some thermal resistance - though probably not much, it's not optimal, especially since no-grease insulators are inherently less efficient.
Most if this is explained in much depth by Rod Elliott in his heatsink guide.
.Kapton and Mica both have significantly lower thermal resistance and usually higher electrical resistance than the silicon-based products - both desirable properties in such an insulator. Thermalsil and similar products are not as good at doing their job, but they're a lot more convenient and can be more reliable since there are less variables involved. They also make products more conducive to automated assembly. I believe the reason grease is required with mica/thermalfilm is that these materials are quite uncompressible, so pressure won't deform them to fill microscopic voids - this can significantly reduce the surface contact area.
Whenever you're looking at a product like this, the safe assumption to make is that thermal grease is required, not requiring it is a major feature and it'll be mentioned for sure.
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Originally Posted by n_maher
Regardless it's a better safe than sorry scenario, I don't think using it can do any harm regardless of isolation pad material. I sometimes use it just to help hold the pad in place during assembly.
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Most if this is explained in much depth by Rod Elliott in his heatsink guide.
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Unfortunately this will be my only project for quite a while (I dont need more than one home amp heh, and this is nice and small)! And its a pretty sweet amp so Im happy with that.
