What is thermal conductive gel? What is its function?

Thermal conductive gel, also known as thermal conductive paste or thermal conductive silica gel, is a viscous substance with high thermal conductivity, which is widely used in the thermal management system of electronic equipment. The main function of the heat conduction gel is to fill the gap between the radiator and the heat source, improve the heat conduction efficiency, and ensure that the electronic equipment maintains a stable temperature in the working process, thus improving the performance and extending the life.

1. Composition and working principle of thermal conductive gel

Thermal conductive gel usually consists of thermal conductive filler, matrix material and additive. Common thermal conductive fillers include aluminum oxide, boron nitride, carbon fiber, etc., which have high thermal conductivity. The matrix material is generally silicone oil or silicone resin, which have good stability and adhesion. Additives are used to adjust the viscosity, fluidity and stability of thermal conductive gel.

The working principle of the thermal conductive gel is to fill the tiny gap between the electronic components and the radiator to remove the air, which is a poor conductor of heat, so as to form a continuous thermal conductive channel, significantly improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the heat source to the radiator. Due to the viscous property of thermal conductive gel, it can well fill irregular surfaces of various shapes to ensure greater heat conduction.

2. Main functions of thermal conductive gel

(1) Improve heat conduction efficiency

The main function of thermal conductive gel is to improve the heat conduction efficiency. Electronic devices generate a large amount of heat during operation. If they cannot dissipate heat in a timely manner, it may cause the device to overheat, affect performance, and even damage. Heat conduction gel can rapidly transmit heat to the radiator through its efficient heat conductivity, effectively reduce the temperature of components, and ensure the normal operation of equipment.

(2) Enhance the stability and reliability of the equipment

Electronic components are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and excessively high temperatures can lead to issues such as circuit short circuits and component aging. The application of thermal conductive gel can ensure that components work in a relatively stable temperature environment, avoid failures caused by overheating, and thus enhance the stability and reliability of equipment.

(3) Extend the lifespan of electronic devices

Electronic devices that are exposed to high temperatures for a long time will have a significantly shortened lifespan. The use of thermal conductive gel can effectively reduce the operating temperature, reduce the damage of thermal stress to components, extend the service life of equipment, and reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Reducing noise: In some high-performance electronic devices, traditional air cooling methods can generate significant noise. The application of thermal conductive gel can improve the heat dissipation efficiency, thus maintaining a good heat dissipation effect while reducing the fan speed, and effectively reducing the noise of equipment during operation.