Indium Thermal Interface Foil

[Rocketdog2112]

I realize the discussion of thermal pads has always had mixed results. Graphite pads weren't the greatest, and carbon fiber didn't fare much better. 

But then there's  Pure Indium Thermal Interface Foil. With a thermal conductivity of 84 W/m-K, manufacturers claim...

*Flexible foil 99.995% pure Indium based Thermal Interface Material TIM.

*Able to withstand temperatures from -273 to 155°C

*Thermal conductivity greater than 10X most thermal greases and thermal sheets (84 w/m-k).

*Safe for use in vacuum environments, will not outgas.

*Stays malleable and deformable at cryogenic temperatures.

*Indium sheet can be cut to size with scissors or a razor blade.

https://customthermoelectric.com/tf-if5050-indium-foil-50-x-50mm.html

 A 50x50x0.05mm piece cost around $8.00 on fleabag.

Has anyone had any experience with this product?

 

[Falkentyne]

3 hours ago, Rocketdog2112 said:

I realize the discussion of thermal pads has always had mixed results. Graphite pads weren't the greatest, and carbon fiber didn't fare much better. 

But then there's  Pure Indium Thermal Interface Foil. With a thermal conductivity of 84 W/m-K, manufacturers claim...

*Flexible foil 99.995% pure Indium based Thermal Interface Material TIM.

*Able to withstand temperatures from -273 to 155°C

*Thermal conductivity greater than 10X most thermal greases and thermal sheets (84 w/m-k).

*Safe for use in vacuum environments, will not outgas.

*Stays malleable and deformable at cryogenic temperatures.

*Indium sheet can be cut to size with scissors or a razor blade.

https://customthermoelectric.com/tf-if5050-indium-foil-50-x-50mm.html

 A 50x50x0.05mm piece cost around $8.00 on fleabag.

Has anyone had any experience with this product?

 

I believe something like this was tested before, and the problem is that it doesn't perform well on non perfect surfaces, because it can't properly mold into the shapes of the minor imperfections.  Someone recently posted a microscope scan of a heatsink and IHS and showed just how many tiny crevices are all over the place.  Pastes and even liquid metal can get into these spots, while things like pads simply can't.  Any time any air gap exists in a surface, heat transfer is compromised.  

That being said, if anyone wants to buy one of these and test it out, be sure to post your results.