Hello,
For a project during my engineering studies, I have to design an electric distribution box. The box is in composite materials.
The product needs to resist to Impact, Humidity, and must be an electrical insulator.
He also needs to evacuate heat quickly.
First, I wanted to use Polycarbonate or Polyamide.
But do you know if there is a material more adapted to my problem?
Thanks
Fiberglass for sure. I designed a very similar system for the FHSAE car and chose E glass for its lack of conductivity, flexibility and toughness (with the right epoxy)
As far as heat removal goes add a fan since fiberglass has a moderate thermal resistance.
There are several options, but for these price sensitive applications regular polyester resin and glassmat should do the job. It is not conductive, weather resistant, but not heat conductive.
Heat conductivity is something you only find in some specific types of carbon. If you use the credit card of your boss to buy some, I am sure he will get pretty upset. (around 1200 euro per kg)
Do not use carbon fibre or kevlar as both are conductors, kevlar less than carbon!
I vote for glass fabric and/or mat. You can add kevlar for impact resistance. However, heat evacuation will have to be designed into the system, not the materials. Unless you add in specific heat pipes/sinks into the heat generating material, using an oil bath.
I was search for hardwood flooring
and found this post. I would say that you have answered my question thanks
Yeah, conducting heat and conducting electricity tend to go hand in hand; not a new problem. Use use polyester/E-glass for the enclosure as others have said if polyester meets temperature requirements, otherwise go with vinylester. If air won’t remove enough heat, or you need higher power density, water works fairly effectively with the requisite price tradeoff. Sil-pad can also be useful in some applications.
Cheers!