Thermally conductive adhesive: properties, application, fabrication

Everyone knows what glue is. This is a sticky substance necessary for the tight connection of two or more elements together. However, depending on the type of bonded material, you need to use a certain type of glue: PVA is suitable for cardboard, leather, glass and fabric; "Moment" glues together metal, plastic, rubber, wood, etc. But what material is used to install heat sink elements, such as radiators, for example?

To work with them, a specially designed solution is required that withstands high temperatures and possesses other important characteristics. This is the heat-conducting glue.

What is it needed for?

In order for the bond to be durable and qualitative, there was no deformation or overheating of the parts during installation, it is necessary to ensure the removal of heat from the elements that are heated during operation. This task is perfectly handled by heat-conducting glue. For radiators, LEDs and other electronics that require installation, this solution is simply indispensable. It operates over a wide temperature range. At the same time, an important feature is the non-toxicity of the adhesive solution, so you can not be afraid to use it in a dwelling.

Thermal-conducting glue "Radial"

This glue is most popular among adhesives with a heat conducting function. This is due to a number of undoubted advantages of the solution. First, the glue is resistant to the influence of such factors as the action of sunlight, changes in external environmental conditions, increased air humidity (moisture and watercourses). Secondly, the adhesive solution has a high viscosity and provides a high degree of adhesion of materials such as glass, plastic, ceramics and even metal. Thirdly, the glue "Radial" is very strong (for the gap 2.3 MPa and more). In addition, using this adhesive, you do not have to worry about the possible occurrence of rust on aluminum, steel and silver parts.

The adhesive has a high thermal conductivity and is resistant to really huge temperature changes. Its working area ranges from -60 to 300 degrees Celsius!

How to use?

First of all, it is necessary to clean and degrease the surfaces on which the heat-conducting adhesive will be applied. You can do it with acetone, gasoline or alcohol. Further on the prepared surface the adhesive solution is applied per 1 square centimeter not more than 1 ml of the substance. The details are fixed and pressed for about 20-25 minutes. After this, you need some time, namely 24 hours, to ensure a strong grip of the elements. In a day, the object treated with glue can be used.

It is simply indispensable in cases where it is not possible to use heat-resistant pastes and substrates. You can buy it right in any radiator store, but if there is not one nearby, you can heat the heat-conducting glue yourself . This, of course, is not so simple, but quite realistic.

How to make glue?

To do this, it is necessary to prepare glycerin cement. It is quite durable and resistant to various kinds of influences, the working temperature reaches 250 degrees. We need dehydrated glycerin: to remove water, glycerin needs to be heated to a temperature of 200 degrees. The same must be done with lead oxide powder (we warm up to 300 degrees). Both masses are cooled and mixed - you will get a gruel, a consistency resembling a not very steep dough.

Now the main thing is to act promptly. To apply homemade glue you will have about 15-20 minutes, after which the adhesive mass will harden. The ratio of glycerin to lead oxide is as follows: 25 ml and 100 grams, respectively.

Conclusion

As you can see, the heat-conducting adhesive is an indispensable tool when working with radiators, when mounting a transistor or processor, for mounting LEDs and other electronics. In its properties, it exceeds heat-conducting pastes, is non-toxic and highly resistant. At the same time there is such a glue quite inexpensive - one tube will cost you around 100 rubles. The kit includes a syringe (2 ml). If you have excess glue left after completion of work, then simply close the syringe tightly and leave it for later use. This glutinous solution does not wither for a long time, which is another undoubted advantage.