Silicone for heat dissipation
Many types of electronics generate heat that must be dissipated to prevent failure. LED luminaires, microchip processors, and components around a car engine, for example, must withstand high temperatures. Therefore, materials based on silicone are the best choice. It has very low surface tension, which maximises the contact area with the hot part.
Temperature resistance of silicone & the influencing factors
Silicone is composed of silicon, a substance that gives products several advantages that organic materials lack. Of all types of adhesives, silicone generally provides the highest resistance to temperatures above 150°C. For example, high-temperature silicone can withstand temperatures between +260 and -45 degrees, while industrial silicone can withstand between +200 and -45 degrees. Between these temperatures, silicone retains its unique flexibility and other properties that make it superior to other materials.
The factors that influence the temperature resistance of silicone are:
- physical strain
- chemicals
- temperature
- weather
- pressure
- drag
The longer silicone is exposed to these factors, the faster it wears out and needs to be replaced.
Thermally conductive silicones in the form of greases, moulding compounds and adhesives
At Tribotec you will find heat-resistant silicone in the form of greases, moulding compounds and adhesives. These can be used for three different heat dissipation techniques:
- moulding using a moulding compound with high thermal conductivity
- grease as heat transfer between heating element and heat sink
- bonding of heat sinks with a thermally conductive adhesive
Thermally conductive silicone adhesive can also be used as a sealing gasket compound, protecting against moisture as well as dirt. It also provides vibration protection for large capacitors and other heat-generating components. In addition, a grease always remains uncured, allowing you to easily disassemble the part.
Which type of heat-resistant silicone should I choose?
The type of heat-resistant silicone you choose depends on your requirements:
- thermal conductivity
- the surrounding environment
- mechanical constraints
- the production method
Thermally conductive silicone grease is usually recommended between a hot component and a chassis, for the transfer of one hot surface to another. Do you have an electronics box? Then moulding compound is a good choice to allow heat to dissipate naturally.
Tribotec® is your expert in heat dissipation for electronics
At Tribotec, we have extensive experience in helping our customers with silicone-based cooling of electronics. With us you will find for example:
- Momentive TIA 208R thermally conductive silicone for e.g. moulding.
- Momentive RTV 627 2-component silicone for moulding and of electronic components.
We give you expert advice on which product is right for your needs. The result is also at its best when we can help you with tips on how to design the products to facilitate the moulding process. We always focus on creating the most optimal and cost-effective solution for you as a customer.
You are very welcome to contact us at Tribotec®!
