Polyamide Composition with Boron Nitride for LED Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyamide compositions used in electronics and lighting applications face challenges in achieving high thermal conductivity while maintaining low electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, and flame retardancy, as additives like graphite increase electrical conductivity and high alumina proportions deteriorate mechanical properties.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining a polyamide matrix with a metal oxide and a nitride of a p-block element, such as boron nitride, which balances thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical properties, optionally including a flame-retardant system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If graphite is used as an additive to increase thermal conductivity of polyamide, then thermal conductivity is improved, but electrical conductivity increases strongly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter by replacing graphite with boron nitride, which has different electrical properties. Boron nitride provides high thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical insulation, thus resolving the contradiction between improving thermal conductivity and maintaining electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material approach by combining polyamide with boron nitride particles. This composite structure allows the polyamide matrix to provide mechanical strength and electrical insulation, while the boron nitride particles provide high thermal conductivity, achieving both goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If very high proportions of alumina are used in polyamide to confer thermal conductivity, then thermal conductivity is improved, but mechanical and rheological properties deteriorate drastically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the filler material parameter from alumina to boron nitride. Boron nitride has a density of approximately 2.1 g/cm³ compared to alumina's 3.95 g/cm³, allowing for high thermal conductivity with lower loading proportions, thereby preserving the mechanical properties of the polyamide matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs boron nitride as a more efficient filler that achieves the desired thermal conductivity at lower concentrations, effectively replacing the need for very high proportions of alumina that would compromise mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Temperature

If high proportions of fillers are used to achieve high thermal conductivity, then thermal conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties and processing behavior worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidrheological properties
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the filler loading parameter by using boron nitride, which achieves high thermal conductivity at moderate proportions (10-40 wt%). This optimized parameter range maintains acceptable rheological properties for injection molding and extrusion processes, unlike higher filler loadings that would severely degrade processability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combination of a polyamide matrix with a metal oxide and a p-block nitride achieves high thermal conductivity, appropriate electrical insulation, and good mechanical and flame-retardant properties, making it suitable for components like LEDs and semiconductor applications.

Implementation Method 1

the combination of a nitride, of a p-block element from the Periodic Table of the Elements, in the presence of a metal oxide, allowed the aforementioned problems to be resolved and allowed polyamide compositions to be obtained that exhibit a high thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

allowed polyamide compositions to be obtained that exhibit a high thermal conductivity and also an appropriate electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9922749B2Polyamide composition having high thermal conductivity
Publication Date: 2018.03.20 PERFORMANCE POLYAMIDES SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition containing a polyamide matrix having high thermal conductivity, and including a nitride and a metal oxide, as well as, optionally, a flame-retardant system. Said composition can be used in particular for producing components for lighting apparatuses including light-emitting diodes.