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Thermal Interface Materials in outdoor applications 1

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nigelt

nigelt

Mechanical
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
50
Location
CA
Does anyone have experiences of using gap filler pads in applications where they may be exposed to (sheltered) outdoor environment conditions. So they can expect to see some dampness/moisture, minus 40C to +60C env. Life approx. 5 yr. Should be a dry assembly process.
Typically these gap fillers or gap pads are silicone which should be inert but I have no experience of drying/cracking or general deterioration. Anyone have any experience of this?
Thanks in advance.

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There will not be continuous exposure to daylight, only during installation on-site. Air will be "free" to move adjacent to the TIM sandwiched between a pair of die-castings though it will be warmed by the functioning product. Imagine a pair of nested pans 10-12" diam with TIM pads sandwiched in the base (0.10/0.15")"gap" and various mounting and conduit opes in the vicinity.
The substrates are both die-cast aluminum though available crush force is somewhat limited (details later but currently 80-100 psi over 3.5 to 4 sq.in).
There would be minimal disturbance of the TIM - except at the time of installation there would be high likelihood that the installer would get a dirty thumb on it!
 
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The biggest issue is probably light exposure. Just consider that the silicone and rubber fittings and whatnot within your car's engine compartment are exposed to a severe environment and appear to deal with it pretty well.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
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