Abrasive media blasted surfaces for reducing spreading of material(s) migrating from thermal management and EMI mitigation materials

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the use of abrasive media blasted surfaces (e.g., sandblasted surfaces, bead blasted surfaces, etc.) for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating (e.g., reducing oil bleed spreading, etc.) from thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials (e.g., thermal interface materials (TIMs), EMI absorbers, thermally-conductive EMI absorbers, electrically-conductive elastomers (ECEs), electrically-conductive composites, combinations thereof, etc.) and other polymer-inorganic composite materials used for other purposes. The spreading of material(s) migrating from a composite may be reduced without having to change a formulation of the composite. An exemplary method includes abrasive blasting a surface with abrasive media (e.g., granular media, spherical media, bead-shaped media, other abrasive particles, etc.) such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

Description

Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAABRASIVE MEDIA BLASTED SURFACES FOR REDUCING THE SPREADING OF MATERIAL(S) MIGRATING FROM THERMAL MANAGEMENT AND / OR ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) MITIGATION MATERIALSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761,348 filed February 21, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the use of abrasive media blasted surfaces (e.g., sandblasted surfaces, bead blasted surfaces, etc.) for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating (e.g., reducing oil bleed spreading, etc.) from thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials (e.g, thermal interface materials (TIMs), EMI absorbers, thermally-conductive EMI absorbers, electrically-conductive elastomers (ECEs), electrically-conductive composites, combinations thereof, etc.) and other polymer-inorganic composite materials used for other purposes.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Electrical components, such as semiconductors, integrated circuit packages, transistors, etc., typically have pre-designed temperatures at which the electrical components optimally operate. Ideally, the pre-designed temperatures approximate the temperature of the surrounding air. But the operation of electrical components generates heat. If the heat is not removed, the electrical components may then operate at temperatures significantly higher than their normal or desirable operating temperature. Such excessive temperatures may adversely affect the operating characteristics of the electrical components and the operation of the associated device.

[0005] To avoid or at least reduce the adverse operating characteristics from the heat generation, the heat should be removed, for example, by conducting the heat from the operating electrical component to a heat sink. The heat sink may then be cooled by conventional convection and / or radiation techniques. During conduction, the heat may pass from the operating electrical component to the heat sinkDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAeither by direct surface contact between the electrical component and heat sink and / or by contact of the electrical component and heat sink surfaces through an intermediate medium or thermal interface material (TIM). The thermal interface material may be used to fill the gap between thermal transfer surfaces, in order to increase thermal transfer efficiency as compared to having the gap filled with air, which is a relatively poor thermal conductor.

[0006] In addition, a common problem in the operation of electronic devices is the generation of electromagnetic radiation within the electronic circuitry of the equipment. Such radiation may result in electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI), which can interfere with the operation of other electronic devices within a certain proximity. Without adequate shielding, EMI / RFI interference may cause degradation or complete loss of important signals, thereby rendering the electronic equipment inefficient or inoperable.

[0007] A common solution to ameliorate the effects of EMI / RFI is through the use of shields capable of absorbing and / or reflecting and / or redirecting EMI energy. These shields are typically employed to localize EMI / RFI within its source, and to insulate other devices proximal to the EMI / RFI source. These shields may be composed of metal, polymer-inorganic composites, filled foams, foam materials wrapped or coated with absorbing and / or reflecting materials, and the like.

[0008] The term “EMI” as used herein should be considered to generally include and refer to EMI emissions and RFI emissions, and the term “electromagnetic” should be considered to generally include and refer to electromagnetic and radio frequency from external sources and internal sources. Accordingly, the term shielding (as used herein) broadly includes and refers to mitigating (or limiting) EMI and / or RFI, such as by absorbing, reflecting, blocking, and / or redirecting the energy or some combination thereof so that it no longer interferes, for example, for government compliance and / or for internal functionality of the electronic component system.

[0009] The above mitigation / management materials, if not comprised of metal, often consist of inorganic-polymer composites or metal-polymer composites. The concentration of the inorganic material, which is usually a particle, in the polymer matrices is often high, for the purpose of attaining the desired management of thermal and / or EMI issues.

[0010] In some instances, the composites are used in applications where they are compressed between two portions of the device requiring management of thermal and / or EMI issues. This compression may occur during the assembly of a device or during cycles of compression and expansion during use of a device. As a result, the composites must be ‘soft’ so they can readily deflect and absorb the forces ofDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAcompression, without transferring those forces to the device being protected with the associated risk of physical damage. As is known to those skilled in the art, in some situations the methods used to prepare such soft composites lead to materials from which various organic species may migrate over time, particularly after repeated cycles of compression and expansion. These organic species may consist of polymers, monomers, additives used to form the composite or to enhance its performance during use, complexes of organic materials with inorganic materials, and the like. The term ‘oil bleed’ is commonly used within the industry to describe this phenomenon, and will be used in this document with the understanding that ‘oil’ refers to a range of primarily organic species and ‘bleed’ refers to the movement of materials from within the composites to a location, or locations, external to the composites.DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary bleed test setup used for determining oil spreading percentages (%) as shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15 for different surface finishes.

[0013] FIG. 2 includes a surface roughness summary of the averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the mirror surface finish shown in FIG. 3 and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 2 includes experimental results of averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the different surface finishes specifically: arithmetical mean height (Sa) in micrometers (um)), root mean square height (Sq) in micrometers, maximum height (Sz) of surface roughness in micrometers, and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) as a percentage (%).

[0014] FIG. 3 includes a height image, laser + optical image, line profile, and 3D image for a mirror surface finish.

[0015] FIGS. 4 to 7 include height images, laser + optical images, line profiles, and 3D images for four different lapped / grounded surface finishes.

[0016] FIG. 8 includes a graph and table of the oil spreading (%) obtained using the bleed test setup shown in FIG. 1 for the mirror surface finish shown in FIG. 3 and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes shown in FIGS. 4-7.

[0017] FIG. 9 includes a surface roughness summary of the averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the four different sand-blasted surface finishes shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA9 includes experimental results of averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the four different sand-blasted surface finishes specifically: arithmetical mean height (Sa) in micrometers (um)), root mean square height (Sq) in micrometers, maximum height (Sz) of surface roughness in micrometers, and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) as a percentage (%).

[0018] FIGS. 10 to 13 includes height images, laser + optical images, line profiles, and 3D images for four different sand-blasted surface finishes.

[0019] FIG. 14 includes a graph and table of the oil spreading (%) obtained using the bleed test setup shown in FIG. 1 for the four different sand-blasted surface finishes shown in FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0020] FIG. 15 includes a graph including the combination of the oil spreading (%) graphically illustrated in FIG. 8 for the mirror surface (FIG. 3) and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes (FIGS. 4 to 7) and the oil spreading (%) graphically illustrated in FIG. 14 for the four different sandblasted surface finishes (FIGS. 10 to 13).

[0021] FIG. 16 includes a height image for the lapped / grinded-4 surface shown in FIG. 7 having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 0.798 micrometers. FIG. 16 also shows oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the lapped / grinded surface having the arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 0.798 micrometers.

[0022] FIG. 17 includes a height image for the sand-blasted- 1 surface shown in FIG. 10 having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 1.054 micrometers. FIG. 17 also shows oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the sand-blasted surface having the arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 1.054 micrometers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Consumer electronics often have oil bleed (broadly, migration of materials) from thermal interface composite materials. And this oil bleed can sometimes interfere with workings of electronic packages or devices and / or cause aesthetic issues. Although conventional methods exist to reduce bleed from thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials (e.g, a TIM, etc.) by changing their formulations, such conventional methods often have been found to significantly increase hardness such that the harder material is not able to readily deflect under low levels of applied force.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0025] As recognized herein, abrasive blasting a surface of a heatsink or other component with abrasive media (e.g., granular media, spherical media, bead-shaped media, other abrasive particles, etc.) configures the abrasive media blasted surface to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating (e.g., reducing oil bleed spreading, etc.) from a composite without having to change a formulation of the composite. The abrasive blasting (e.g., sandblasting, bead blasting, etc.) of the surface of the heatsink or other component results in a specific texture along the abrasive media blasted surface that may be characterized by deep rounded pits. This specific texture can positively reduce the spreading of oils (broadly, migrating of material(s)) derived from thermal interface materials (TIMs) or other thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials. The size of the abrasive media (e.g., size of the beads, grains, bead-shaped media, granular media, other abrasive particles, etc.) and the pressure used during the blasting process can significantly affect the depth, width, and frequency of the rounded pits formed on the abrasive media blasted surface. These variations can, in turn, influence the extent of oil spreading (broadly, material migration) from the thermal interface materials (TIMs) or other thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials. For a given level of surface roughness, an abrasive media blasted surface (e.g., sandblasted surface, bead blasted surface, etc.) will exhibit significantly lower oil bleed compared to a surface that has been lapped or ground as shown in FIG. 15. Advantageously, the reduction in oil bleed allows for the continued use of thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials that currently bleed, which oil bleed might otherwise interfere with the workings of electronic packages or devices and / or cause aesthetic issues.

[0026] With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary bleed test setup used for determining oil spreading percentages (%) as shown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15 for different surface finishes. As shown in FIG. 1, the bleed test setup included a glass top surface and a bottom surface (e.g., aluminum plate, etc.) having a different surface roughness, finish, or coating than the glass top surface. Shims may be used to maintain a constant gap of about 1 millimeter (mm) between the top and bottom surfaces. The diameter of the thermal interface material (TIM) after compression was about 25 mm. In this exemplary testing procedure, the test was conducted for 1 week at an elevated temperature as needed, while measurements were performed at every 24 hours for 7 to 10 days. The oil spreading percentage was determined as follows:Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAil Diameter — TIM DiameterOil Spreading ( %TIM Diameter

[0027] FIG. 2 includes a surface roughness summary of the averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the mirror surface finish shown in FIG. 3 and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes shown in FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 2 includes experimental results of averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the different surface finishes specifically: arithmetical mean height (Sa) in micrometers (urn)), root mean square height (Sq) in micrometers, maximum height (Sz) of surface roughness in micrometers, and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) as a percentage (%). As shown in FIG. 2, the mirror surface finish (FIG. 3) had the lowest surface roughness while the surface roughness for the four lapped / grinded 1, 2, 3, and 4 surface finishes (FIG. 4-7) increased such that the lapped / grinded-4 surface finish had the highest surface roughness.

[0028] By way of background, arithmetical mean height (Sa) is the mean of the absolute value of the height of points within the defined area. Arithmetical mean height (Sa) is used to generally evaluate surface roughness.Sa =Aj] ' Z (x, y | dx dy

[0029] Root mean square height (Sq) represents the root mean square value of ordinate values within the defined area. Root mean square height (Sq) is equivalent to the standard deviation of heights.

[0030] Developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) is expressed as the percentage of the defined area’s additional surface area contributed by the texture as compared to a planar defined area.

[0031] FIG. 3 include a height image, laser + optical image, line profile, and 3D image for a mirror surface finish. FIGS. 4-7 includes height images, laser + optical images, line profiles, and 3D images for four different lapped / grounded surface finishes. Generally, lapping refers to a finishing technique to achieve a fine surface finish in which surfaces are rubbed together with an abrasive betweenDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAthem. For example, a paste or slurry containing fine abrasive particles may be applied between two surfaces. One of the surfaces is typically a flat plate (called a "lapping plate"), and the other is the workpiece, the workpiece and the lapping plate move in a slow, controlled motion, often in a back-and- forth or rotating pattern. This motion allows the abrasive slurry to gradually wear down the surface of the workpiece, achieving a highly smooth and precise finish. Grinding generally refers to a machining process that uses an abrasive wheel or belt to remove material from a workpiece.

[0032] FIG. 8 includes a graph and table of the oil spreading (%) obtained using the bleed test setup shown in FIG. 1 for the mirror surface finish shown in FIG. 3 and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes shown in FIGS. 4-7. As experimentally demonstrated by FIG. 8, oil spreading percentage decreased as the surface roughness decreased such that the mirror finish with the lowest surface roughness had the lowest oil spreading percentage of 10.86 while the lapping / grinding-4 surface finish with the highest surface roughness had the highest oil spreading percentage of 79.54.

[0033] FIG. 9 includes a surface roughness summary of the averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the four different sand-blasted surface finishes shown in FIGS. 10-13. FIG. 9 includes experimental results of averages and standard deviations of the surface roughness of the four different sand-blasted surface finishes specifically: arithmetical mean height (Sa) in micrometers (urn)), root mean square height (Sq) in micrometers, maximum height (Sz) of surface roughness in micrometers, and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) as a percentage (%). As shown in FIG. 9, the surface roughness for the four sand-blasted 1, 2, 3, and 4 surface finishes (FIG. 10-13) increased such that the sand-blasted-1 surface finish had the lowest surface roughness and the sand-blasted-4 surface finish had the highest surface roughness.

[0034] FIGS. 10-13 includes height images, laser + optical images, line profiles, and 3D images for four different sand-blasted surface finishes. Generally, sandblasting is an abrasive blasting surface finishing technique in which granular media (e.g., sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, aluminum oxide granular media, other granular media, etc.) is shot or propelled towards the surface at high velocity by using a high-pressure tool (e.g., blasting gun using compressed air, etc.). When the sandblasting process is completed, the sandblasted surface may then be cleaned to remove the remaining granular media from the sandblasted surface.

[0035] FIG. 14 includes a graph and table of the oil spreading (%) obtained using the bleed test setup shown in FIG. 1 for the four different sand-blasted surface finishes shown in FIGS. 10-13. Unlike the decreasing oil spreading percentages associated with the decreasing surface roughness of theDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAlapped / grounding surface finishes shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 14 experimentally demonstrates that oil spreading percentage did not necessarily decrease as the surface roughness decreased. Despite its lower surface roughness, the sand-blasted- 1 surface finish had about the same 38.28 oil spreading percentage as the 38.99 oil spreading percentage of the sand-blasted-2 surface finish.

[0036] FIG. 15 includes a graph including the combination of the oil spreading (%) graphically illustrated in FIG. 8 for the mirror surface (FIG. 3) and the four different lapped / grounded surface finishes (FIGS. 4-7) and the oil spreading (%) graphically illustrated in FIG. 14 for the four different sand-blasted surface finishes (FIGS. 10-13). Generally, FIG. 15 shows that for a given level of surface roughness, an abrasive media blasted surface (e.g, sandblasted surface, bead blasted surface, etc.) will exhibit significantly lower oil bleed compared to a surface that has been lapped or ground.

[0037] FIG. 16 includes a height image for a lapped / grinded surface having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 0.798 micrometers. FIG. 16 also shows oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material (e.g., silicone-based thermal grease, etc.) along the lapped / grinded surface having the arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 0.798 micrometers.

[0038] FIG. 17 includes a height image for a sand-blasted surface having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 1.054 micrometers. FIG. 17 also shows oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material (e.g, silicone-based thermal grease, etc.) along the sand-blasted surface having the arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 1.054 micrometers. A comparison of FIG. 16 with FIG. 17 reveals that the oil spreading from the thermal interface material along the sand-blasted surface having the higher arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 1.054 micrometers was less than the oil spreading from the thermal interface material along the lapped / grinded surface having the lower arithmetical mean height (Sa) of 0.798 micrometers.

[0039] In FIGS. 16 and 17, the thermal interface materials were silicone-based thermal greases. But silicone-based thermal grease is but one example type of thermal interface material as aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to other thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials (e.g, thermal interface materials (TIMs), EMI absorbers, thermally-conductive EMI absorbers, electrically-conductive elastomers (ECEs), electrically-conductive composites, combinations thereof, etc.) and other polymer-inorganic composite materials used for other purposes.

[0040] Similar benefits of reducing oil bleed spreading are expected for other thermal interface materials (TIMs), thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials, and other polymer-inorganic composite materials used for other purposes, which have the potential to bleed. Accordingly, this invention will have wide applicability to a wide range of thermal interfaceDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAmaterials (TIMs), thermal management and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation materials, and other polymer-inorganic composite materials used for other purposes, in which it would be desirable to have reduced spreading of material(s) migrating (e.g., migration of organic species, oil bleed, etc.) from at composite to locations external to the composite. In addition, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be used in a wide range of industries (e.g., automotive, consumer, industrial, datacom / telecom, aerospace / defense, etc.) and wide range of applications (e.g, automotive electronics, automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automotive powertrain / electronic control units (ECUs), automotive infotainment, industrial power, routers, wireless infrastructure, drones / satellites, gaming systems, smart home devices, notebooks / tablets / portable devices, etc.).

[0041] It is challenging to balance the preparation of a highly-loaded polymer composite for use as a thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material that has the ability to fulfill the desired thermal management and / or EMI mitigation requirements and other requirements while also readily deflecting under low levels of applied force. In these materials, oil bleeding may result for multiple reasons. For example, conventional thermal management and / or EMI mitigation materials are commonly based on the use of silicone polymers. Silicone polymers typically contain a wide distribution of molecular weight (MW) polymers. It is commonly assumed that some of the polymer with low molecular weights are capable of migration in the matrix to such an extent that the migrated polymer materials become visibly apparent beyond the confines of the composite, thereby resulting in undesirable aesthetics. Other additives in the composite in addition to the silicone polymers, such as dispersing agents, stabilizing agents (e.g., UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers, etc.) and the like, may also migrate. Composites that use polymers that are not based on silicone materials also contain species capable of migration, and face similar challenges as described above for representative silicone-based systems.

[0042] But as disclosed herein, the spreading of material(s) migrating (e.g., reducing oil bleed spreading, etc.) from a composite may be reduced without having to change a formulation of the composite. This is significant in that oil bleed is a concern for aesthetic reasons as well as due to the potential contamination of optics in electronic applications (e.g., optical transceivers, camera lenses, etc.), such as high speed signal lines that may otherwise be affected by oil bleed. Exemplary embodiments may advantageously stop or inhibit oil bleed spreading along a device casing or housing, which oil bleed might otherwise not be aesthetically pleasing.

[0043] Disclosed are exemplary methods for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite without having to change a formulation of the composite. An exemplaryDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAmethod includes abrasive blasting a surface with abrasive media (e.g, granular media, spherical media, bead-shaped media, other abrasive particles, etc. such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the abrasive media blasted surface. In this exemplary method, the abrasive media may be shot or propelled towards the surface at high velocity by using a high-pressure tool (c.g., blasting gun using compressed air, etc.). When the abrasive blasting process is completed, the abrasive media blasted surface may then be cleaned to remove the remaining abrasive particles from the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the method includes sandblasting a surface with granular media (e.g., sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, aluminum oxide granular media, other granular media, etc.) such that the sandblasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the sandblasted surface.

[0045] In other exemplary embodiments, the method includes bead blasting a surface with bead-shaped media (e.g., glass beads, ceramic beads, plastic beads, etc.) such that the bead blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the bead blasted surface.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with abrasive media to thereby texture the abrasive media blasted surface to have a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits. The method may further include selecting the size of the abrasive media and the pressure used during the abrasive blasting process to thereby selectively determine the depth, width, and frequency of the generally rounded pits formed on the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI). And the method includes reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without changing the formulation of the composite that is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes: positioning the composite directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; or positioning the composite relative to the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; or positioning the composite within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite isDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAdisposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or positioning the composite along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0049] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes dispensing the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blasted surface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface after abrasive blasting the surface.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes configuring a component of an electronic device to have the abrasive media blasted for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface of the component of the electronic device. In exemplary embodiments, a component or assembly of an electronic device includes the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface. And the method includes positioning the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blasted surface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface of the component or assembly of the electronic device. The component of the electronic device may comprise one or more of: a heat removal / dissipation structure such as a heat sink, a heat spreader, a heat pipe, a vapor chamber, a device exterior case, housing, or chassis; a heat source of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or other component of the electronic device; a component of a solid-state drive; and / or a board level shield.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, a heat sink or other component includes a bottom surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bottom surface of the heat sink or other component. And the method includes positioning the composite on a top surface of the heat sink or other component such that the bottom surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, a heat sink or other component includes a top surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the top surface of the heat sink or other component. And the method includes positioning the composite on a bottom surface of the heat sink or other component such that the top surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes abrasive blasting surface(s) at location(s) at which typical bleed may occur such that the abrasive media blasted surface(s) at those location(s) are operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface(s).

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes abrasive blasting a surface of a substrate having a hole that extends between top and bottom surfaces of a substrate, such that the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating from the composite through the hole.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, a component or assembly is configured to have an abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite. The composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is a sandblasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the sandblasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is a bead blasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bead blasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a given level of surface roughness than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface have the given level of surface roughness.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface includes a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a surface roughness characterized by a first arithmetical mean height (Sa) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by a second arithmetical mean height (Sa) lower than the first arithmetical mean height (Sa).Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to have a surface roughness characterized by an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers, e.g., from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, etc.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 0.2 micrometers to about .8 micrometers (e.g., 0.298 micrometers to about 0.798 micrometers, etc.).

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of about 1 micrometer or higher (e.g., 1.054 micrometers, etc. ,- and there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having the surface roughness characterized by the arithmetical mean height (Sa) of about 1 micrometer or higher (e.g., 1.054 micrometers, etc.) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of about 0.29 or higher (e.g., 0.298, etc.).

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of: an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of about 1 micrometer or higher (e.g., 1.054 micrometers, etc.) and a root mean square height (Sq) of about 1.3 micrometers or higher (e.g., 1.335 micrometers, etc.)

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of: an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers (e.g., from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, etc.); and a root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers (e.g., 1.335 micrometers to about 3.715 micrometers, etc.).

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface has a minimum width of at least about 5 micrometers.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the component or assembly comprises one or more of: a heat removal / dissipation structure including a heat sink, a heat spreader, a heat pipe, a vapor chamber, a device exterior case, a housing, or a chassis; a heat source of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or other component of the electronic device; a component of a solid-state drive; and / or a board level shield.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured with the abrasive media blasted surface roughness operable for reducing the spreading of silicone oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface. And the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without silicone migration beyond confines of the composite.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive media blasted surface is configured with the abrasive media blasted surface roughness operable for reducing the spreading of non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface. And the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed migration beyond confines of the composite.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the component or assembly includes a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the top surface to the bottom surface. Or the top surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the component or assembly comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The abrasive media blasted surface is configured to operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite through the hole. And the abrasive media blasted surface comprises at least one a surface defining a perimeter around the hole and / or a surface defining one or more vertical interior walls of the hole.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the component or assembly further comprises a composite useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI). The abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface. And the composite is directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; or the abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; or the composite is within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is disposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or the composite is along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable forDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAreducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0073] In exemplary embodiment, the composite comprises one or more of thermally-conductive filler(s), electrically -conductive filler(s), electromagnetic wave absorbing filler(s), dielectric absorbing filler(s), and filler(s) that has two or more properties of being thermally conductive, electrically conductive, dielectric absorbing, and electromagnetic wave absorbing; and / or the composite is a thermal phase change material, a thermal putty, a thermal grease, a dispensable thermal interface material, and / or a thermal gap filler pad; and / or the composite is a silicone-based thermal grease or a single part ceramic filled silicone dispensable material; and / or the composite is athermal interface material, an EMI absorber, a thermally-conductive absorber, an electrically-conductive elastomer, an electrically-conductive composite, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0074] In exemplary embodiments, a device comprises a component or assembly as disclosed herein.

[0075] In exemplary embodiments, a system is configured for performing various steps or processes of an exemplary method disclosed herein. For example, the system may configured for automatically performing ( e.g., with little or without manual performance by a human operator, etc.) various steps or processes of an exemplary method disclosed herein.

[0076] In exemplary embodiments, the composite is a thermal interface material (TIM), such as a thermally-conductive pad, thermally-conductive gap filler, dispensable material, thermal grease, bulk putty, phase change TIM, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the composite is a thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material having a relatively high thermal conductivity (e.g., 1 W / mK (watts per meter per Kelvin), 1.1 W / mK, 1.2 W / mK, 2.8 W / mK, 3 W / mK, 3.1 W / mK, 3.8 W / mK, 4 W / mK, 4.7 W / mK, 5 W / mK, 5.4 W / mK, 6 W / mK, 8 W / mK, greater than 8 W / mK, etc.) depending on the particular materials used to make the thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material and loading percentage of the thermally conductive filler, if any. These thermal conductivities are only examples as other embodiments may include a thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material with a thermal conductivity higher than 8 W / mK, less than 1 W / mK (e.g., at least about 0.3 W / mK, etc.), or a value within a range from 1 W / mK to 8 W / mK.

[0077] Example embodiments disclosed herein may be used for a wide range of heat sources, electronic devices, and / or heat removal / dissipation structures or components (e.g., a heat spreader, a heat sink, a heat pipe, a vapor chamber, a device exterior case, housing, or chassis, etc.). For example, a heatDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAsource may comprise one or more heat generating components or devices, such as a high-power integrated circuit (IC), optical transceiver, 5G infrastructure devices (e.g., base stations, small cells, smart poles, etc.), solid-state drive (SSD), memory in video cards, set top boxes, televisions, gaming systems, automotive electronics used for autonomous driving (ADAS) (e.g., radars, multi domain controllers, cameras, etc.), a CPU, die within underfdl, semiconductor device, flip chip device, graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), multiprocessor system, integrated circuit (IC), multi -core processor, etc.). Generally, a heat source may comprise any component or device that has a higher temperature than the thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material or otherwise provides or transfers heat to the thermal management and / or EMI mitigation material regardless of whether the heat is generated by the heat source or merely transferred through or via the heat source. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any single type of heat source, electronic device, heat removal / dissipation structure, etc.

[0078] Various aspects of the invention according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the following numbered clauses.

[0079] Clause 1. A method relating to reducing spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite without having to change a formulation of the composite, the method comprising: abrasive blasting a surface with abrasive media such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface; and / or positioning the composite relative to an abrasive media blasted surface that is configured for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0080] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the method includes: abrasive blasting the surface with abrasive media such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite; and after the abrasive blasting, positioning the composite relative to the abrasive media blasted surface to thereby reduce the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0081] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with one or more of granular media, spherical shaped media, and / or bead-shaped media.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0082] Clause 4. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with one or more of sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, aluminum oxide granular media, glass beads, ceramic beads, and / or plastic beads.

[0083] Clause 5. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the method includes sandblasting the surface with granular media such that the sandblasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the sandblasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite.

[0084] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the method includes sandblasting the surface with one or more of sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, and / or aluminum oxide granular media.

[0085] Clause 7. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the method includes bead blasting the surface with bead-shaped media such that the bead blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bead blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.

[0086] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein the method includes bead blasting the surface with one or more of glass beads, ceramic beads, and / or plastic beads.

[0087] Clause 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a given level of surface roughness than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface have the same given level of surface roughness.

[0088] Clause 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with abrasive media to thereby texture the abrasive media blasted surface to have a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits.

[0089] Clause 11. The method of clause 10, wherein the method includes selecting a size of the abrasive media and a pressure used during the abrasive blasting process to thereby selectively determine a depth, width, and frequency of the generally rounded pits formed on the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0090] Clause 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a surface roughness characterized by a first arithmetical mean height (Sa) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material alongDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAa lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by a second arithmetical mean height (Sa) lower than the first arithmetical mean height (Sa).

[0091] Clause 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of: an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometers to about 3 micrometers (e.g., from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, e / c.); and a root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers (e.g., 1.335 micrometers to about 3.715 micrometers, etc.).

[0092] Clause 14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein: the composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI); and the method includes reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without changing the formulation of the composite that is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0093] Clause 15. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the method includes: positioning the composite directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; or positioning the composite relative to the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; or positioning the composite within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is disposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or positioning the composite along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0094] Clause 16. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a minimum width of at least about 5 micrometers.

[0095] Clause 17. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is usable substantially or entirely without material migration along the abrasive media blasted surface beyond confines of the composite.

[0096] Clause 18. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the method includes dispensing the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blastedDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAsurface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface after abrasive blasting the surface.

[0097] Clause 19. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the method includes configuring a component of an electronic device to have the abrasive media blasted for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface of the component of the electronic device.

[0098] Clause 20. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein: a component of an electronic device includes the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface; and the method includes positioning the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blasted surface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface of the component of the electronic device.

[0099] Clause 21. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein: a heat sink or other component of an electronic device includes a bottom surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bottom surface of the heat sink or other component; and the method includes positioning the composite on a top surface of the heat sink or other component such that the bottom surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the top surface to the bottom surface; or a heat sink or other component of an electronic device includes a top surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the top surface of the heat sink or other component; and the method includes positioning the composite on a bottom surface of the heat sink or other component such that the top surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0100] Clause 22. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein: the composite comprises one or more of: thermally-conductive filler(s); electrically -conductive filler(s); electromagnetic wave absorbing filler(s); dielectric absorbing fdler(s); and filler(s) that has two or more properties of being thermally conductive, electrically conductive, dielectric absorbing, and electromagnetic wave absorbing; and / or the composite is a thermal phase change material, a thermal putty, a thermal grease, a dispensable thermal interface material, and / or a thermal gap filler pad; and / or the composite is a silicone-based thermal grease or a single part ceramic filled silicone dispensable material; and / or the composite is a thermalDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAinterface material, an EMT absorber, a thermally-conductive absorber, an electrically-conductive elastomer, an electrically-conductive composite, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0101] Clause 23. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting surface(s) at predetermined location(s) at which typical bleed may occur such that the abrasive media blasted surface(s) at those predetermined location(s) are operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface(s).

[0102] Clause 24. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 23, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting a surface of a substrate having a hole that extends between top and bottom surfaces of a substrate, such that the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating from the composite through the hole.

[0103] Clause 25. The method of clause 24, wherein: the abrasive media blasted surface defines a perimeter around the hole along the top or bottom surface of the substrate; and / or the abrasive media blasted surface is along and / or defines one or more vertical interior walls of the hole.

[0104] Clause 26. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface comprises at least one of: a surface defining a perimeter around a hole that extends between top and bottom surfaces; and / or a surface defining one or more vertical interior walls of the hole; whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating from the composite through the hole.

[0105] Clause 27. A component or assembly configured to have an abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite, wherein the composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0106] Clause 28. The component or assembly of clause 27, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is a sandblasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the sandblasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.

[0107] Clause 29. The component or assembly of clause 27, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is a bead blasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bead blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0108] Clause 30. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a given level of surface roughness than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface have the same given level of surface roughness.

[0109] Clause 31. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 30, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface includes a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits.

[0110] Clause 32. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 31, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a surface roughness characterized by a first arithmetical mean height (Sa) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by a second arithmetical mean height (Sa) lower than the first arithmetical mean height (Sa).[OHl] Clause 33. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 32, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of: an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers (e.g, from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, e / c.); and a root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers (c.g, 1.335 micrometers to about 3.715 micrometers, etc.).

[0112] Clause 34. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 33, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a minimum width of at least about 5 micrometers.

[0113] Clause 35. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 34, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured with the abrasive media blasted surface roughness operable for: reducing the spreading of silicone oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without silicone migration beyond confines of the composite; or reducing the spreading of non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed migration beyond confines of the composite.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0114] Clause 36. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 35, wherein the component or assembly includes a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and wherein: the bottom surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the top surface to the bottom surface; or the top surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0115] Clause 37. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 35, wherein: the component or assembly comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces; the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite through the hole; and the abrasive media blasted surface comprises at least one: a surface defining a perimeter around the hole; and / or a surface defining one or more vertical interior walls of the hole.

[0116] Clause 38. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 37, further comprising a composite useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI), the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface, and wherein: the composite is directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; or the abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; or the composite is within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is disposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or the composite is along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

[0117] Clause 39. The component or assembly of any one of clauses 27 to 38, wherein: the composite comprises one or more of thermally-conductive filler(s), electrically-conductive filler(s), electromagnetic wave absorbing filler(s), dielectric absorbing filler(s), and filler(s) that has two or more properties of being thermally conductive, electrically conductive, dielectric absorbing, and electromagnetic wave absorbing; and / or the composite is a thermal phase change material, a thermal putty, a thermal grease, a dispensable thermal interface material, and / or a thermal gap filler pad; and / or the composite is a silicone-based thermal grease or a single part ceramic filled silicone dispensable material;Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAand / or the composite is a thermal interface material, an EMI absorber, a thermally-conductive absorber, an electrically-conductive elastomer, an electrically-conductive composite, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0118] Clause 40. A method of reducing spreading of material migrating from a composite without changing a formulation of the composite, the method comprising abrasively blasting a metal or polymeric surface with abrasive media to form an abrasive-media-blasted surface having a texture with generally rounded pits, the abrasive-media-blasted surface being configured to reduce spreading of material migrating from the composite along the surface relative to a lapped or ground surface of the same or lower arithmetical mean height (Sa).

[0119] Clause 41. The method of clause 40, wherein the abrasive media comprise granular media and / or bead shaped media.

[0120] Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the granular media comprise one or more of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or sand.

[0121] Clause 43. The method of clause 41, wherein the bead shaped media comprise glass beads, ceramic beads, or polymeric beads.

[0122] Clause 44. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 43, further comprising selecting media size and blasting pressure to control at least one of depth, width, or frequency of the rounded pits.

[0123] Clause 45. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 44, wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers (e.g, from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, etc.); and a root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers (c.g., 1.335 micrometers to about 3.715 micrometers, etc.).

[0124] Clause 46. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 45, wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface has a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of at least about 27% or between about 28% and about 77%.

[0125] Clause 47. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 46, wherein oil bleed spreading of a silicone based thermal grease along the abrasive media blasted surface is less than along a lapped / ground surface of lower Sa.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0126] Clause 48. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 47, wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface is formed at locations at which bleed is expected, including perimeters around holes and / or vertical walls of through holes to mitigate through hole migration.

[0127] Clause 49. The method of any one of clauses 40 to 48, further comprising cleaning the surface after blasting to remove residual media.

[0128] Clause 50. A component comprising a surface that has been abrasive media blasted to define a texture with generally rounded pits, the surface having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of at least 1 micrometer or higher and being configured to reduce oil bleed spreading of a thermal interface material (TIM) along the surface as compared to a lapped / ground surface having the same or lower arithmetical mean height (Sa).

[0129] Clause 51. The component of clause 50, wherein the surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of: an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers (e.g., from about 1.054 micrometers to about 2.962 micrometers, etc.); and a root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers (e.g., 1.335 micrometers to about 3.715 micrometers, etc.).

[0130] Clause 52. The component of clause 50 or 51, wherein the surface has a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of at least about 27% or between about 28% and about 77%.

[0131] Clause 53. The component of any one of clauses 50 to 52, wherein the surface has a minimum width of at least 5 micrometers.

[0132] Clause 54. The component of any one of clauses 50 to 53, wherein the rounded pits are substantially hemi spheroidal in plan view morphology produced by bead blasting.

[0133] Clause 55. The component of any one of clauses 50 to 54, wherein the reduction in oil bleed spreading is observed at a given level of surface roughness when comparing blasted versus lapped / ground finishes.

[0134] Clause 56. The component of any one of clauses 50 to 56, wherein the TIM comprises a dispensable putty, thermal grease, phase change material, gap filler pad, or single part ceramic filled silicone.

[0135] Clause 57. An assembly comprising: the component of any one of clauses 50 to 56 embodied as at least one of a heat sink, heat spreader, heat pipe, vapor chamber, device housing or chassis, board level shield, or a solid state drive component; and a composite disposed on, adjacent to, within aDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAperimeter defined by, or opposite the abrasive media blasted surface; wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is operable to reduce spreading of material migrating from the composite along the surface.

[0136] Clause 58. The assembly of clause 57, wherein the component is a heat sink having the abrasive media blasted surface on at least one of a top or bottom surface, the composite being disposed on the opposite surface.

[0137] Clause 59. The assembly of clause 57, wherein the component comprises a device housing or board level shield and the abrasive media blasted surface surrounds the composite to contain lateral bleed.

[0138] Clause 60. The assembly of clause 57, wherein the component comprises a substrate with a through hole, the abrasive media blasted surface defining at least one of a perimeter around the hole and / or vertical interior walls of the hole.

[0139] Clause 61. A method of using an abrasive media blasted surface having a texture with generally rounded pits to reduce spreading of silicone oil bleed or non-silicone / hydrocarbon oil bleed migrating from a thermal management or electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation composite, including TIMs, EMI absorbers, thermally conductive EMI absorbers, electrically conductive elastomers (ECEs), or electrically conductive composites.

[0140] Clause 62. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the composite has a thermal conductivity between about 0.3 W / m K and greater than 8 W / m K.

[0141] Clause 63. The method of any preceding clause, wherein reduced spreading is demonstrated under an oil-spreading test performed with a 25 mm compressed TIM diameter, about 1 mm gap maintained by shims, and elevated temperature over 7-10 days.

[0142] Clause 64. The method of any preceding clause, wherein sand-blasted surfaces exhibit lower oil-spreading than lapped / ground surfaces at comparable or lower Sa, as evidenced by combined comparisons across surface finishes.

[0143] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAIn addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] Specific dimensions, specific materials, and / or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter ( / .c., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1 - 10, or 2 - 9, or 3 - 8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 - 9, 1 - 8, 1 - 3, 1 - 2, 2 - 10, 2 - 8, 2- 3, 3 - 10, and 3 -9.

[0145] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, when permissive phrases, such as “may comprise”, “may include”, and the like, are used herein, at least one embodiment comprises or includes the feature(s). As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0146] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0147] The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally”, “about”, and “substantially” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or for example, the term “about” as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, equivalents to the quantities are included.

[0148] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA

[0149] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0150] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POACLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method relating to reducing spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite without having to change a formulation of the composite, the method comprising:abrasive blasting a surface with abrasive media such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface; and / orpositioning the composite relative to an abrasive media blasted surface that is configured for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes:abrasive blasting the surface with abrasive media such that the abrasive media blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite; and after the abrasive blasting, positioning the composite relative to the abrasive media blasted surface to thereby reduce the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with one or more of granular media, spherical shaped media, and / or bead-shaped media.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with one or more of sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, aluminum oxide granular media, glass beads, ceramic beads, and / or plastic beads.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes sandblasting the surface with granular media such that the sandblasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the sandblasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method includes sandblasting the surface with one or more of sand grains, silicon carbide granular media, and / or aluminum oxide granular media.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes bead blasting the surface with bead-shaped media such that the bead blasted surface is configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bead blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method includes bead blasting the surface with one or more of glass beads, ceramic beads, and / or plastic beads.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a given level of surface roughness than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface have the same given level of surface roughness.

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting the surface with abrasive media to thereby texture the abrasive media blasted surface to have a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method includes selecting a size of the abrasive media and a pressure used during the abrasive blasting process to thereby selectively determine a depth, width, and frequency of the generally rounded pits formed on the abrasive media blasted surface.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a surface roughness characterized by a first arithmetical mean height (Sa) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by a second arithmetical mean height (Sa) lower than the first arithmetical mean height (Sa).Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of:an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometers to about 3 micrometers; anda root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers.

14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI); andthe method includes reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without changing the formulation of the composite that is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes: positioning the composite directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; orpositioning the composite relative to the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; orpositioning the composite within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such hat the composite is disposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or positioning the composite along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, hereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a minimum width of at least about 5 micrometers.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along theDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAabrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is usable substantially or entirely without material migration along the abrasive media blasted surface beyond confines of the composite.

18. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes dispensing the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blasted surface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface after abrasive blasting the surface.

19. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes configuring a component of an electronic device to have the abrasive media blasted for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface of the component of the electronic device.

20. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:a component of an electronic device includes the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface; andthe method includes positioning the composite on the abrasive media blasted surface, adjacent to the abrasive media blasted surface, and / or on a second surface opposite to the abrasive media blasted surface of the component of the electronic device.

21. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:a heat sink or other component of an electronic device includes a bottom surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bottom surface of the heat sink or other component; and the method includes positioning the composite on a top surface of the heat sink or other component such that the bottom surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the top surface to the bottom surface; ora heat sink or other component of an electronic device includes a top surface having the abrasive media blasted surface for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the top surface of the heat sink or other component; and the method includes positioning the composite on a bottom surface of the heat sink or other component such that the top surface is operable for reducingDocket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAthe spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.

22. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the composite comprises one or more of: thermally-conductive filler(s); electrically-conductive filler(s); electromagnetic wave absorbing filler(s); dielectric absorbing filler(s); and fdler(s) that has two or more properties of being thermally conductive, electrically conductive, dielectric absorbing, and electromagnetic wave absorbing; and / orthe composite is a thermal phase change material, a thermal putty, a thermal grease, a dispensable thermal interface material, and / or a thermal gap fdler pad; and / orthe composite is a silicone-based thermal grease or a single part ceramic fdled silicone dispensable material; and / orthe composite is a thermal interface material, an EMI absorber, a thermally-conductive absorber, an electrically-conductive elastomer, an electrically-conductive composite, or a combination of two or more thereof.

23. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting surface(s) at predetermined location(s) at which typical bleed may occur such that the abrasive media blasted surface(s) at those predetermined location(s) are operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface(s).

24. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes abrasive blasting a surface of a substrate having a hole that extends between top and bottom surfaces of a substrate, such that the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) migrating from the composite through the hole.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein:the abrasive media blasted surface defines a perimeter around the hole along the top or bottom surface of the substrate; and / orthe abrasive media blasted surface is along and / or defines one or more vertical interior walls of the hole.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA26. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface comprises at least one of:a surface defining a perimeter around a hole that extends between top and bottom surfaces; and / or a surface defining one or more vertical interior walls of the hole;whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s) igrating from the composite through the hole.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA27. A component or assembly configured to have an abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite along the abrasive media blasted surface without having to change a formulation of the composite, wherein the composite is useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

28. The component or assembly of claim 27, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is a sandblasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the sandblasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.

29. The component or assembly of claim 27, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is a bead blasted surface configured to be operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along the bead blasted surface without having to change the formulation of the composite.

30. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a given level of surface roughness than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface have the same given level of surface roughness.

31. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface includes a texture along the abrasive media blasted surface characterized by generally rounded pits.

32. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured such that there will be less oil bleed spreading from a thermal interface material along the abrasive media blasted surface having a surface roughness characterized by a first arithmetical mean height (Sa) than the oil bleed spreading from the same thermal interface material along a lapped / grinded surface having a surface roughness characterized by a second arithmetical mean height (Sa) lower than the first arithmetical mean height (Sa).Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA33. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of:an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers; anda root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers.

34. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface has a minimum width of at least about 5 micrometers.

35. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the abrasive media blasted surface is configured with the abrasive media blasted surface roughness operable for:reducing the spreading of silicone oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without silicone migration beyond confines of the composite; orreducing the spreading of non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the composite may be usable substantially or entirely without non-silicone oil bleed and / or hydrocarbon oil bleed migration beyond confines of the composite.

36. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the component or assembly includes a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and wherein:the bottom surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the bottom surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the top surface to the bottom surface; orthe top surface is configured to have the abrasive media blasted surface operable for reducing the spreading along the top surface of any material(s) migrating from a composite along the bottom surface to the top surface.

37. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein:the component or assembly comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces;Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POAthe abrasive media blasted surface is configured to operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from a composite through the hole; andthe abrasive media blasted surface comprises at least one:a surface defining a perimeter around the hole; and / ora surface defining one or more vertical interior walls of the hole.

38. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 37, further comprising a composite useful for the management of heat and / or electromagnetic interference (EMI), the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading of material(s), if any, migrating from the composite along he abrasive media blasted surface, and wherein:the composite is directly on the abrasive media blasted surface such that the abrasive media blasted surface is directly underneath and in contact with the composite; orthe abrasive media blasted surface is disposed generally around the composite; orthe composite is within a perimeter defined by the abrasive media blasted surface such that the composite is disposed entirely within and / or surrounded by the abrasive media blasted surface; or the composite is along a second surface opposite the abrasive media blasted surface, whereby the abrasive media blasted surface is operable for reducing the spreading along the second surface of any material(s) migrating from the composite along the abrasive media blasted surface.

39. The component or assembly of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein:the composite comprises one or more of thermally-conductive filler(s), electrically-conductive filler(s), electromagnetic wave absorbing filler(s), dielectric absorbing filler(s), and filler(s) that has two or more properties of being thermally conductive, electrically conductive, dielectric absorbing, and electromagnetic wave absorbing; and / orthe composite is a thermal phase change material, a thermal putty, a thermal grease, a dispensable hermal interface material, and / or a thermal gap filler pad; and / orthe composite is a silicone-based thermal grease or a single part ceramic filled silicone dispensable material; and / orthe composite is a thermal interface material, an EMI absorber, a thermally-conductive absorber, an electrically-conductive elastomer, an electrically-conductive composite, or a combination of two or more thereof.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA40. A method of reducing spreading of material migrating from a composite without changing a formulation of the composite, the method comprising abrasively blasting a metal or polymeric surface with abrasive media to form an abrasive-media-blasted surface having a texture with generally rounded pits, the abrasive-media-blasted surface being configured to reduce spreading of material migrating from the composite along the surface relative to a lapped or ground surface of the same or lower arithmetical mean height (Sa).

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the abrasive media comprise granular media and / or bead-shaped media.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the granular media comprise one or more of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or sand.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the bead-shaped media comprise glass beads, ceramic beads, or polymeric beads.

44. The method of any one of claims 40 to 43, further comprising selecting media size and blasting pressure to control at least one of depth, width, or frequency of the rounded pits.

45. The method of any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of:an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers; anda root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers.

46. The method of any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface has a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of at least about 27% or between about 28% and about 77%.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA47. A component comprising a surface that has been abrasive-media-blasted to define a texture with generally rounded pits, the surface having an arithmetical mean height (Sa) of at least 1 micrometer or higher and being configured to reduce oil-bleed spreading of a thermal interface material (TIM) along the surface as compared to a lapped / ground surface having the same or lower arithmetical mean height (Sa).

48. The component of claim 47, wherein the surface has a surface roughness characterized by one or both of:an arithmetical mean height (Sa) within a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers; anda root mean square height (Sq) within a range from about 1.3 micrometers to about 3.8 micrometers.

49. The component of claim 47 or 48, wherein the surface has a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of at least about 27% or between about 28% and about 77%.

50. The component of any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the surface has a minimum width of at least 5 micrometers.

51. The component of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the rounded pits are substantially hemispheroidal in plan-view morphology produced by bead blasting.

52. An assembly comprising:the component of any one of claims 47 to 51 embodied as at least one of a heat sink, heat spreader, heat pipe, vapor chamber, device housing or chassis, board-level shield, or solid-state drive component; anda composite disposed on, adjacent to, within a perimeter defined by, or opposite the abrasive-media-blasted surface;wherein the abrasive-media-blasted surface is operable to reduce spreading of material migrating from the composite along the surface.Docket No. 9062D-000623-WQ-POA53. The assembly of claim 52, wherein:the component is a heat sink having the abrasive-media-blasted surface on at least one of a top or bottom surface, the composite being disposed on the opposite surface; orthe component comprises a device housing or board-level shield and the abrasive-media-blasted surface surrounds the composite to contain lateral bleed; orthe component comprises a substrate with a through-hole, the abrasive-media-blasted surface defining at least one of a perimeter around the hole and / or vertical interior walls of the hole.

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