Thermally Conductive Silicone Sponge
At NEDC, we are all about thermally conductive gap filling pads. A unique thermal gap filler that can double as a gasketing material is Thermacool R10404 Thermally Conductive Silicone Sponge. This closed-cell silicone sponge rubber gap filling material is not only electrically isolating but also ideal for thermal heat transfer applications. Its silicone base gives it its high temperature, and low compression set properties. As with other gap filling materials, good contact is everything. Below is a screenshot of the chart relating compression and thermal impedance.
Properties of Thermacool R10404 Silicone Sponge Gap Fillers
Thermacool R10404 Silicone Sponge is a unique solution as no other silicone sponge manufacturer (I know of) offers a thermally conductive expanded silicone sponge product. As with other silicone sponge gasketing materials it features a rigorous temperature range – performing across -80° to 400° degrees fahrenheit. Since it has a closed cell silicone sponge structure, it is reliable for gasketing solutions that other conventional silicone sponge rubber products may be used in. Applications for R10404 Thermally Conductive Silicone Sponge include vibration dampening, gasketing, and gap filling in battery cells, and lithium ion battery packs. R10404 comes in a medium density at a 25% compression for 18 psi of pressure (CFD). The low compression deflection makes the ability to compress this pad easier, and provide good thermal transfer.
Thermally Conductive Chart (re-presented from datasheet below)
Thermally Conductive Chart (re-presented from datasheet below)
Why Use Thermacool R10404 Silicone Sponge over a conventional Thermal Pad?
There are a few reasons for using R10404 Thermacool Gap Filler:
-Its Repositionable, having no natural tack/adhesive
-Offers great sealing as a gasketing material
-Some thermal pads are not electrically isolating, however Thermacool R10404 is
-It is not prone to take a set due to its closed cell silicone sponge make-up
-R10404 Thermal Sponge meets FDA 21 CFR177.2600
Note: Thermacool R10404 is not a silicone foam, its a silicone sponge material!
Give me an example of a good thermal application for R10404 Silicone Sponge
Thermally Conductive Silicone Sponge can be used in applications where they need something that is lightweight, has cushioning abilities, and thermal conductivity. Conventional Thermal Gap Filling Pads have some extra weight to them because of their wetting out properties, and they are highly filled for the thermally conductive properties. A good example of where to use R10404 Thermal Sponge is in a battery pack cushion application. We discuss this in another blog. Materials like PORON® from Rogers Corporation are often used in battery packs that don’t need extra thermally conductivity.
More Info on Cutting/Availability on Thermacool R10404
NEDC die-cuts or waterjet cuts Thermacool R10404 Silicone Sponge. It is available with adhesive backing in either silicone/acrylic tape, and comes in a light green color. However, it is good to keep in mind that adhesive backing will increase thermal resistance of the product. Lastly it comes in thicknesses ranging from very thin 1/32’’ to a thicker ¼’’. In addition, NEDC also cuts other thermally conductive products such as Thermacool materials. For more information on thermal gap filling materials, please contact sales@nedc.com.
Datasheet Downloads
R10404 Thermacool Thermally Conductive Silicone Sponge Datasheet