Thermal compound comparison

[Billson]

What are the differences between Arctic Alumina, Arctic Alumina Adhesive, Ceramique, and Arctic Silver 5 compound? They more or less cost the same so which is better? Do they all serve the same purpose? Do they need to be mixed because it doesn't say so in the description but the picture shows two tubes. Thanks for any info.

 

[nexro]

For conducting heat from a CPU, Arctic Silver 5 (AS5) has proved to be the best compount /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I used AS5 between my Lux3-S in my MM+ module.
Arctic Alumina and Ceramique is almost similar but Ceramique is better and said to be electrically non-conductive.
As for Alumina Adhesive, it a version of Arctic Alumina that sticks both surfaces together when applied, kind of like a heat conductive epoxy.

As far as I know, Alumina, Ceramique and AS5 come in a single tube. So, no mixing is required.

nexro

 

[Billson]

Is there an advantage or disadvantage to being electrically conductive or non-conductive?

If the others don't bond the led to the heatsink, how is the led bonded to the module aside from the solder?

 

[nexro]

According to Lumileds datasheet, the compound between the LED and heatsink should be electrically non-conductive /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

For my MM+ module, the only thing holding the Lux to the board is the solder. The thermal compound is quite sticky, so that will help to keep the Lux in position during soldering.

 

[Billson]

I've been reading over the product specs at their website. I understand that they are all non electrically conductive but AS5 is slightly capacitive. What does this mean and what is it's effect?

 

[nexro]

I am thinking slight capacitive means it's able to store "some" charge. As for effect, I have no idea.
What I did was to make sure I only use a small amount and spread it thin below the lux. Also, make sure they don't reach the + and - contacts /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Billson]

Nexro,

Thanks for the help.

 

[nexro]

You're welcome.
no problem /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Stingray]

I just found a tube of Tech Spray brand "transistor silicone grease" in my desk. It says "heat sink compound" on it too. I used to use it for CPU's. Would this be a decent lube for o-rings and threads on lights?

 

[nexro]

Hmm, I have never seen a grease that works as a heatsink or thermal compound and also as a grease.
Most silicone thermal compounds are good for use between the heatsink and the CPU but they tend to get "hardened" and spill over time.

Since the name of your tube says that it's some kind of grease, I suppose it should be okay for use as a lube.
Maybe you should try it on a cheap light first /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif