On 20 Oct 2011 at 12:32, Arthur P wrote:
> --- In , "DED" <dedly@...> wrote:
> > At the risk of sounding like a dick....
> > Silicon is what computer chips are made from.
> > Silicone is what they use to make caulk and breast implants.
> > Sorry, as a former chemical engineer, it's a pet peeve of mine. =)
> While your point is probably correct, this quote from WIKIPEDIA
> [yeah, I know ... but it is a convenient source] suggests that
> intelligent space virus chips [*snicker*] might be both silicon (for
> its electrical properties) and silicone (for durability in harsh
> environments).
> "Electronics Electronic components are sometimes encased in silicone
> to increase stability against mechanical and electrical shock,
> radiation and vibration, a process called "potting".
> Silicones are used where durability and high performance are
> demanded of components under hard conditions, such as in space
> (satellite technology). They are selected over polyurethane or epoxy
> encapsulation when a wide operating temperature range is required
> (−65 to 315 °C). Silicones also have the advantage of little
> exothermic heat rise during cure, low toxicity, good electrical
> properties and high purity.
> The use of silicones in electronics is not without problems,
> however. Silicones are relatively expensive and can be attacked by
> solvents.[9] Silicone easily migrates as either a liquid or vapor
> onto other components."
You don't want to "pot" computer chips unless they are really slow.
It'll keep in the heat, which is *bad* for the chip.
--
Leonard Erickson (aka shadow)
shadow at shadowgard dot com