Polyimides?

[RA_pierce]

I'm not sure which section to ask this in...
Is polyimide tape a thermal insulator or thermal conductor?
I mean this:
DealExtreme: $2.92 High Temperature Tape (10mm / 300-C)
My google search didn't return the answers I was looking for.
If it's thermally conductive I'm gonna need some.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bobhaha]

First result in my google search

Thermosetting polyimides are known for thermal stability, good chemical resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and characteristic orange/yellow color. Polyimides compounded with graphite or glass fiber reinforcements have flexural strengths of up to 50,000 p.s.i. and flexural moduli of 3 million p.s.i. Thermoset polyimides exhibit very low creep and high tensile strength. These properties are maintained during continuous use to temperatures of 450 °F (232 °C) and for short excursions, as high as 900 °F (482 °C). Molded polyimide parts and laminates have very good heat resistance.

source: Polyimide - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

hope that helped -Adrian

 

[HIMNL9]

That is a high temperature resistant Polymide tape, also called "Kapton tape" in some countries.

Is a discrete thermal conductor, have a decent mechanical resistance (if not cutted or punched from set screws, ofcourse) and can be used in alternative to more fragile "mica" foils for insulation from power components and heatsinks (also if for these uses is normally added silicone thermal grease, same as with the mica foils)

DX have also other height, til 20 or 22 mm, if i recall correctly.


Edit: LOL, bobhaha just posted first (so i learn to keep windows opened so long, before hit post button, )

 

[RA_pierce]

Yes... I read that... but I don't think heat resistance is the same as thermal conductivity.

 

[HIMNL9]

the thermal conductivity is probably similar to the one of the mica foils, considering that the industry use it for the same use ..... anyway, using it with thermal grease, and ofcourse, placing it leaving no air bubbles on the adhesive side, is ok, i used it for similar uses, for green modules, and i had never problems with it.

 

[RA_pierce]

the thermal conductivity is probably similar to the one of the mica foils, considering that the industry use it for the same use ..... anyway, using it with thermal grease, and ofcourse, placing it leaving no air bubbles on the adhesive side, is ok, i used it for similar uses, for green modules, and i had never problems with it.

Thanks a ton! That is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Krutz]

even if its a bad thermal conductor (= good thermal insulator, high thermal resistor), it is so thin that it would still conduct a lot better than air (-gaps). if you need to securely insulate (electrically) two parts, this tape, with a bit of thermal paste on every side, would be good. if you just want to "thermally connect" two parts and dont care about electrical insulation, leave the tape, use the paste only.
the less objects, surfaces, connections, the better! with such thin things its more important than the thermal properties themselves!

manuel