Thermal Interface Materials in outdoor applications

Question

Thermal Interface Materials in outdoor applications

nigelt (Mechanical)

(OP)

6 Jun 17 06:57

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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IRstuff (Aerospace) · Answer 1 · 2017-06-06 13:30:15

Is there exposure to ambient light?
Is there exposure to urban/suburban air?

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nigelt (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2017-06-06 19:35:17

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!

IRstuff (Aerospace) · Answer 3 · 2017-06-06 21:55:16

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.

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Thermal Interface Materials in outdoor applications