Thermal adhesive tape is a material used for heat transfer. Its dielectric strength (or the maximum electric field a material can withstand without breaking) and volume resistivity (or the strength of its electrical conductivity) are measured in units of Watts/mK. Low resistivity means an easy flow of electric current. Thermally conductive adhesive transfer tapes, like the ones manufactured by 3M, are primarily used to transfer heat between components that generate and sink heat.
The use of this material has many applications in electronics. As circuitry is getting smaller and denser, heat is a major problem for its performance. Thermally conductive adhesives are adhesives containing conductive fillers. The adhesives form bonds with interconnections, transporting heat to non-critical areas and extending their operational life. Typical applications of thermal adhesive tapes include heat sinks and high-density circuitry.
Thermal adhesive tapes come in three sizes. The double-sided thermal transfer tapes are made of thermally conductive ceramic fibers, and their special adhesive properties enable them to effectively transfer heat. Moreover, a thermal transfer is guaranteed with a minimal heat cycle, and bonding does not require pressure, either. These tapes are also suitable for a variety of applications, from electrical wiring to automotive electronics. This is because thermally conductive tapes can be used on hot surfaces and even on cold ones.
If you cannot find the proper material for your specific use, you can also use the double-sided tape for heatsinks. Double-sided tapes are generally used to stick BGA chipset heatsinks because the integrated circuits do not have through-hole mounting points.
The thermal adhesive tape is designed for reattaching small heatsinks to computer chips held in place by double-sided adhesives.
Thermally conductive adhesive transfer tapes (8805, 8810, and 8820) are characterized by high thermal conductivity and good wet-out properties. They are also ideal for bonding heat-generating components. For the best results, thermal interface materials must be able to handle a lifetime of high temperatures. The thermal adhesive tape is also easy to apply and comes in two versions - single-sided and double-sided.
