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Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 4:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Traveller_TNE] Re: Hi...question/favor (Virus)
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>On 20 Oct 2011 at 12:32, Arthur P wrote:
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>> --- 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. =)
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>> 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).
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>> "Electronics Electronic components are sometimes encased in silicone
>> to increase stability against mechanical and electrical shock,
>> radiation and vibration, a process called "potting".
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>> 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.
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>> 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."
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>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.
>**** True enough, but advanced techniques might call for a cooling system the assembly might then be potted ...
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>Ret
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