Two part thermal compound selection

Some customers don’t understand the features when they select two part thermal compound, even they don’t know the material they used before when they want an alternative.

One of customers used imported two part thermal compound, because of high cost and long lead time, he wanted to find an alternative in local market. But when I ask what material they need, he had no idea. I can’t recommend when the material is unclear.

Basically, there are two kind of materials for two part thermal commpound. One is silicone based. This material has a low hardness after curing, it always marks Shore00 XX. It is natrual tack, so it’s not intended for use in applications when a strong structual bond is required. Because it is soft, sometimes it functioning as a vibration dampening cushion. 

The other one is epoxy based. After curing, it becomes solid, like glasses. Except thermally conductive, this material can work as an adhesive in application when a strong bond is required. Another feature of epoxy based two part thermal compond is sealing, it is widely used in motor for filling gaps between coil and sealing. This will  makes thermal transfer effectively.

Epoxy based two part thermal compound has a peculiar odor, we have to make sure the smell will not threaten surrounding environment.