Benefits of Thermally Conductive Acrylics

Structural acrylics provide specific adhesion for bonding electrical components with high thermal conductivity such as heat sinks and circuit boards. These thermally conductive acrylics are ideal for use in applications such as the production of LED lighting for the following reasons:

Dissipation of Heat
Heat trapped and not dissipated by the components can lead to premature component failure and costly repair and replacement. To prevent this from happening, thermal conductivity can be assured and electrical shorting prevented by using thermally conductive acrylics. Because of the insulating characteristics of the acrylic adhesive, the heat is not retained and costly repairs and replacements can be avoided.

Self-Leveling for Good Contact
Using thermally conductive acrylics that offers self-leveling or self-shimming properties can ensure the adhesive has a good initial contact with a substrate. This type of leveling action reduces the adhesive to a uniform layer thickness of .005 - .007" on each application. Adhesion shear strength is important to bonding performance, but the desired adhesion strength cannot be achieved if the adhesive does not have a good initial contact.

No Mechanical Devices Needed
Another benefit of thermally conductive acrylic adhesives is that they replace mechanical devices and silicone greases. When using this type of structural acrylic adhesive, it is not necessary to use mechanical devices such as fasteners, clips, screws or rivets for assembly. Thermally conductive acrylics even negate the need for silicone greases that can trap contaminants. The adhesive alone is sufficient in providing the most efficient thermal transfer between transistors or microprocessors and their heat sinks.

No-Mix Application
Unlike epoxies, thermally conductive acrylics require no direct mixing. This no-mix application eliminates errors in mixing ratios and waste of products.

Room Temperature Cure
Thermally conductive adhesives are designed to have fast fixturing times. They are also considered room temperature cure adhesives meaning no heat is required to harden the adhesive.

Other Benefits
Structural acrylic adhesives bond well to dirty and oily surfaces so they require no extensive surface preparation. They have high peel and high impact strengths. They withstand weathering effects well and create a tough, durable, shock resistant bond.

Hernon Manufacturing is your total solutions provider for adhesives, sealants and dispensing equipment. HERNON has developed a thermally conductive acrylic product called Dissipator which is ideal for use in the production of LED lighting.

To learn more about Dissipator, a thermally conductive adhesive, Hernon Manufacturing's custom dispensing equipment, or any of our other adhesives, sealants or dispensing solutions please call 407-322-4000.