Phase Change
What are Phase Change Materials?
Thermal Interface Phase Change Materials are used to enhance thermal transfer between a hot component and a thermal solution like a heatsink. This enables the component to run at a lower temperature whereby increase speed and extending life. Phase Change Materials are used in the most demanding application across many industry segments. These include consumer electronics, telecom/datacom, automotive electronics, industrial electronics, medical and military/aerospace.
How do Phase Change Materials Work?
The first PCMs melted to a liquid state at temperatures between 50C-60C. This “phase change” allowed the material to wet the mating surfaces, and flow to a minimum bond line to provide the lowest possible thermal resistance, the best performance. Today most PCMs do not change state (melt) but soften at operating temperatures in the 50C to 70C range whereby providing the same advantages of wetting and minimum bond line but further provide much better long-term reliability (more resistant to pump out) than earlier materials that truly phase change to liquid. PCMs are generally used in constant pressure application (with some type of spring loaded heatsink).
Characteristics and Functions:
- Thermal conductivity range: 1 – 8 W/mK
- Thickness range: 0.125mm to 0.5mm
- Compliancy: UL 94V0, RoHs, REACH
- Easy to use; peel and stick format with top tabbed liners or automatable placement
Laird’s Phase Change Materials
Laird PCMs provide industry leading thermal performance, reliability and easy of use all at competitive prices
Download our Thermal Interface Solutions brochure.
In 2019 we launched fully automated application capabilities for thermal pads and dispensables. You can end manual tasks through automation.