Concerned about the long-term reliability of dispensed, non-curing thermal interface solutions? What about cracking and pump-out that increase thermal resistance after aging and thermal shock? These are just a few of many important reasons to consider using pre-cured pads as a thermal transfer medium between a heat spreader and electrical components over wet-dispensed products that are prone to failure over time as in the example provided below.

Customers of Resin Designs, a manufacturer of advanced adhesives and sealants, frequently approach the company with the following questions:

• Do you have a product that blocks water and other fluids from wicking down wires?

• How about something that’ll stop liquids from getting into solder joints?

• Can you help provide a seal for mated contacts that can be removed and repaired?

Unlike thermoplastic alternatives such as hot melt adhesives, cured thermosetting epoxies will not re-flow or melt when heated. Instead, epoxies will undergo a transition from a hard-rigid state to a more pliable, rubbery state. The temperature range during which this transition takes place is known as the glass transition temperature, T_g.

A majority of manufacturers, including Resin Designs, understands that new technology is frequently misunderstood. For example, let’s circle back to 15 years ago when suppliers of LEDs believed that this light source could cure UV adhesives more cost efficiently than mercury bulbs, metal-halide bulbs and electrodeless bulbs. Manufacturers also believed the following: