Polyurethane Thermal Interface Material With Anti-Sliding ATH Filler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal interface materials (TIM) for battery-powered vehicles, especially those using aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) as fillers, face issues with sliding when placed vertically under climate conditions, which affects their thermal management efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A thermal interface material composition comprising a non-reactive polyurethane prepolymer, 70-95 wt% aluminum trihydroxide, 0.15-1.5 wt% silane terminated urethane prepolymer, and 1-20 wt% plasticizer, with the silane terminated urethane prepolymer being key in preventing sliding and improving viscosity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) is used as filler to achieve high thermal conductivity and low viscosity, then thermal conductivity is improved, but the material tends to slide when placed vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidsliding resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating silane terminated urethane prepolymers (0.1-5 wt%) into the polyurethane matrix. This chemical modification alters the material's rheological properties, specifically improving its anti-sag characteristics and vertical stability while preserving the thermal conductivity benefits of high ATH content (70-95 wt%).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining polyurethane prepolymer, aluminum trihydroxide filler, and silane terminated urethane prepolymer. This composite approach allows the silane component to provide structural reinforcement and improved adhesion, preventing sliding while the ATH filler maintains high thermal conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If high loading of ATH is used to achieve high thermal conductivity, then thermal management performance is improved, but viscosity control becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidviscosity control
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes silane terminated urethane prepolymers to modify the viscosity parameters of the TIM composition. This allows achieving optimal flow characteristics and spreadability even with high ATH loading (70-95 wt%), enabling proper application while maintaining high thermal conductivity performance.

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 composition effectively prevents sliding and maintains thermal conductivity, ensuring reliable heat management in battery-powered vehicles by incorporating silane terminated urethane prepolymers, which enhances the material's stability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

0.15-1.5 wt% of at least one silane terminated urethane prepolymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSilane crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a non-reactive polyurethane prepolymer... 70-95 wt% of aluminum trihydroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer reinforcement: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 3

thermal interface materials (TIM)... connected to the cooling unit via the thermal interface material composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4100452B1Polyurethane based thermal interface material comprising silane terminated urethane prepolymers
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONICS MATERIALS US LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are thermal interface materials (TIM) composition comprising: a) a non-reactive polyurethane prepolymer; b) about 70-95 wt% of aluminum trihydroxide (ATH); c) about 0.15-1.5 wt% of at least one silane terminated urethane prepolymer; and d) about 1-20 wt% of at least one plasticizer, with the total weight of the thermal interface material totaling to 100 wt%.