Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy or Adhesive

[EngStedt]

I am looking for information or test results for various thermally conductive adhesives. Most of the applications are for semiconductor heatsink mounts, but other uses always arise. Many adhesives do not have thermal conductance ratings so I was thinking of doing a mini-study for myself. Performance is always an issue.

Any leads or ideas for a quick test procedure?

 

[Compositepro]

What application do you have in mind? Many people have worked on thermally conductive adhesives over the years so you may be reinventing the wheel. But many thermally conductive adhesives are really very poor conductors. The main requirement is to eliminate air gaps because air is one of the poorest cxonductors.

 

[IRstuff]

Have you actually tried to find the data?

Almost all of the manufacturers of thermally conductive adhesives list their thermal conductivities in their datasheets, since that's the primary reason for buying it.

1.6 W/m*K as shown here:

http://www.ablestik.com/c_product_detail.asp?item=ProductSelector&product_name=ABLEBOND+8700E

and here:

http://www.baconindustries.com/adhesives_thermally.htm

and here:

http://www.resintechgroup.com/pds/TR915.pdf

TTFN

 

[EngStedt]

IRstuff, yes I have actually tried to find the data. I have found compounds ranging from 0.6 - 9.0 W/m*K, but most of these are not locally available. (I suppose thermal adhesives are not a very common request) Thank you for the links.

Compositepro, I don't mind re-inventing the wheel as the learning process can be rewarding and allow insights into the situation. The specific application is nothing special, but I have not been much involved in thermal adhesives so I have some exploring to do.

I’m sure there are commonly available adhesives that may be well suited to thermal applications, but are not meant for that specific duty. Thermal conductance properties are usually only published for ‘thermal adhesives’. I will do some more research though.

 

[IRstuff]

I'm not sure at all what you are talking about, since thermal adhesives are EXTRMELY common in the electronics industry.

All the ones listed in the links are meant for "that specific duty".

Obviously, you either think they're not or you are thinking of something other than what the entire adhesives industry is thinking.

The values quoted are consistent with the best of thermal adhesives, so, again, it's totally unclear what you're asking or talking about.

Perhaps if you started by clearing explaining your specific application, you could get better information or help.

TTFN

 

[EngStedt]

"I am looking for information or test results for various thermally conductive adhesives."

I suppose I should have said, "... thermal conductive properties of adhesives", as opposed to just "thermally conductive adhesives. A study with test results is more what I'm after.

 

[IRstuff]

OK, that makes a little more sense, although it's still unclear what benefit you think there might be to doing such a study.

The values that you quoted for thermal conductivity pretty much covers the bulk of the available products. Anything beyond that range usually requires custom work with a particular supplier.

TTFN