Introducing Henkel’s gap filling liquid TIM 14 July 2020

Henkel launched a thermal interface material (TIM) innovation, Bergquist gap filler TGF 7000. The silicone-based, two part liquid gap filling TIM effectively marries high thermal conductivity of 7W/mK and a maximum possible speed tested of 18g/s, a combination that, Henkel says, is one of a kind.

Bergquist gap filler TGF 7000 cures in place at room temperature and is soft upon cure to minimise stress. It has a controlled volatility with siloxane content below 300ppm to provide compatibility with various bonding surfaces and optical components. In addition, it’s storage stability and easy handling are key attributes of the TIM.

The novel material is well suited for applications where mass production, reliability and high thermal conductivity are required due to its excellent throughput capability.

Holger Schuh, Henkel global technology expert explains: “From a chemistry perspective, engineering a liquid TIM with substantive filler content, that also allows fast dispensing, is an exceptionally difficult balance to achieve. One might expect a liquid material with high thermal conductivity to experience separation, settling, caking, and clogging of the dispensing equipment, but Bergquist gap filler TGF 7000 exhibits none of these issues.”

Having cultivated solid technology partnerships with leading dispensing equipment suppliers, Henkel’s technical team is well versed on liquid TIM material optimisation for various equipment platforms. Working with dispense partners throughout Bergquist Gap Filler TGF 7000’s formulation, significant testing was conducted to validate the dispensability of the product.

“High performance liquid gap fillers set high requirements on the dispensing technology; to ensure a precise application without rising the working pressure or to engineer a durable resin circuit that can cope with high-abrasive fillers. With our eccentric screw pumps and static mixing system Duplex+, we are able to set-up a high volume dispensing process with excellent cmk-results and cycle times,” says Florian Schütz, regional sales manager DACH from Bdtronic – performer of the dispensing tests. “Unlike common expectations for higher thermally conductive materials, the material has shown outstanding characteristics in dispensing without stressing the equipment during our early dispensing tests.”

To further evaluate the material within various environments, Henkel engaged with industry research firm ZFW Stuttgart. Using thermal analysis and measurement technology, the institute studied the thermal performance of the TGF 7000 under various stress situations.