Thermal Interface Material

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Can anyone help understanding the function of the oil in a b... - Mar 29, 2019 by SMTA-williams SMTA

The oil is a carrier for the filler material that actually t... - Mar 29, 2019 by SMTA-Jon SMTA

SMTA-williams

#82247

Thermal Interface Material | 29 March, 2019

Can anyone help understanding the function of the oil in a bi-components Thermal Interface Material ? After a while, when the material is stored, the oil comes up in the surface : shall we remove it ? shall we re-integrate it into the TIM ? what if we use the TIM without re-integration of the oil ? Any answer would be appreciated Thanks

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SMTA-Jon

#82248

Thermal Interface Material | 29 March, 2019

The oil is a carrier for the filler material that actually transfers the thermal energy. Without the oil, the material would just be a powder that would not be easy to apply or keep in place. You should mix the oil back in.

Separation of the filler and carrier materials may indicate that the TIM is past its shelf life or has been stored improperly. I recommend checking those to the manufacturer's datasheet and the product label before mixing in the oil and using the material. It might be time for a new jar.

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