Material Class |
Description |
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
Grease |
These are the traditional TIMs filled with conductive particles of Al2O3, BeO, Al, Ag, etc. |
Can achieve very thin bondlines <0.0005" |
Difficult to apply to pre-apply to assemblies Messy Typically pumps out, effecting long-term reliability Requires controlled dispensing No electrical isolation |
Gel |
Grease replacement that cross-links during cure to form a gel-like substance. |
Can achieve very thin bondlines <0.005” Does not pump out |
Cannot be preapplied to assemblies Requires cure which can be from burn-in Messy Requires controlled dispensing |
Adhesive |
Heat cured adhesives filled with conductive particles similar to grease. |
Can achieve very thin bondlines <0.005” Mechanical and thermal attach |
Cannot be preapplied Typically requires process oven curing Messy Requires controlled dispensing Typically no electrical isolation |
Tape |
Usually pressure sensitive adhesive filled with conductive particles on a fiberglass or plastic carrier. |
Mechanical and thermal attach Can be die cut and preapplied Clean, simple processing Typically electrical isolating |
Typically thick bondlines with low thermal conductivity |
Phase Change |
A waxy type material that changes to a gel at approximately 50 C allowing it to conform to surface irregularities. Can be preapplied or supplied on a carrier. |
Can achieve very thin bondlines <0.005” when preapplied Fairly clean process With carrier has electrical isolation |
Typically low thermal conductivity The phase change material itself is usually very thin and does not conform to large irregularities |
Pads |
Typically thick materials 0.010”-0.250” thick. Some are very compliant with a low K and others are not very compliant with a reasonably high K. |
Simple to use Can typically be re-used Can be die cut and preapplied Clean process |
Typically requires moderate to high pressures to achieve reasonable performance - can be tricky to use effectively Typically do not conform well to small surface irregularities Thick bondlines |