Maximum performance, minimum heat – focus on the ICEPAD 3000
In October, our manufacturer Kerafol presented its latest product in the field of thermal management: the ICEPAD 3000.
We spoke with Wolfgang Höfer, Head of Thermal Management at Kerafol, about what makes the ICEPAD so special, what advantages it offers for your application, and why it could be a real game changer.
Important data at a glance
Properties
Colour
Thermal Properties*
Thermal resistance Rth
Thermal conductivity λ
Thermal impedance
Electrical Properties**
Dielectric breakdown
voltage Ud; AC
Mechanical Properties*
Hardness
Physical Properties
Application temperature
Density
Flame rating
Possible thickness
Unit
K/W
W/mK
mm²/W
kin²/W
kV
Shore 00
°C
g/cm³
UL-94
mm
3000
0.82
3.0
328
0.5
7.0
50 - 65
-90 to +200
1.87
VO***
0.5 - 4.0***
* Measured @ thickness 1 mm ** Measured @ thickness 0.5 mm *** expected
Source: Kerafol
Interview with Wolfgang Höfer
What makes Kerafol's new ICEPAD special, and how does it differ from previous thermal interface materials?
The ICEPAD 3000 is a soft thermal interface material with high thermal conductivity. The silicone elastomer is characterized by its outstanding temperature stability and elastic behavior. Particularly noteworthy is its suitability for demanding applications, such as in the military and aerospace sectors. This sets the ICEPAD apart from conventional thermal interface materials, which can no longer meet the requirements of not changing their properties at very low temperatures.
For which applications was the ICEPAD developed, and where do its greatest strengths lie in practical use?
The ICEPAD has been specially developed for applications that require both high heat dissipation and mechanical adaptability under extreme temperature conditions. Typical areas of application include military and aerospace applications, but also anywhere where components need to be thermally decoupled and electrically insulated at the same time. Its greatest strength lies in the combination of temperature resistance (from -90°C to +200°C), elasticity, and easy integration into existing designs.
What are the technical properties that distinguish the ICEPAD?
Thermal conductivity: 3.0 W/mK
Thermal resistance: 0.82 K/W
Electrical insulation: Dielectric strength 7.0 kV (AC) at 0.5 mm layer thickness
Hardness: Shore 00:50 - 65
Operating temperature: -90°C to +200°C
Density: 1.87 g/cm³
Flame retardancy: UL-94 VO
Deformability: The material is elastic and may be compressed to a maximum of 30% of its original thickness
Kerafol is based in Eschenbach, Germany. Many products are manufactured in-house. What about the new ICEPAD?
Not only is the ICEPAD 3000 manufactured entirely in Germany, but the raw materials are also sourced from German producers. This ensures short delivery routes, high quality, and a reliable supply.
How does Kerafol support customers together with ai-energy in selecting and integrating the ICEPAD into existing designs?
Kerafol can customize the ICEPAD to individual customer requirements, both for prototypes without tooling costs and for series delivery with corresponding separation systems. In addition, Kerafol checks how optimal part utilization per square meter can be achieved. Extra services such as the integration of pull tabs can also be arranged by agreement.
What trends do you currently see in the field of thermal management, and how does the ICEPAD fit into these developments?
The trend in power electronics is clearly moving toward materials that offer high thermal conductivity as well as mechanical flexibility and electrical insulation, even under demanding temperature and load cycles. The ICEPAD 3000 addresses these requirements and is therefore ideal for modern applications that require compact designs and high power densities, such as in power electronics, e-mobility, or aviation.
Would you like to know whether the ICEPAD is the right product for your application? Please feel free to contact us.