Abstract: The invention includes solder materials having low concentrations of alpha particle emitters, and includes methods of purification of materials to reduce a concentration of alpha particle emitters within the materials. The invention includes methods of reducing alpha particle flux in various lead-containing and lead-free materials through purification of the materials. The invention also includes methods of estimating the fractionation of a low concentration of one or more alpha particle emitters during purification of a material.

Abstract: The invention includes solder materials having low concentrations of alpha particle emitters, and includes methods of purification of materials to reduce a concentration of alpha particle emitters within the materials. The invention includes methods of reducing alpha particle flux in various lead-containing and lead-free materials through purification of the materials. The invention also includes methods of estimating the fractionation of a low concentration of one or more alpha particle emitters during purification of a material.

Abstract: The invention includes solder materials having low concentrations of alpha particle emitters, and includes methods of purification of materials to reduce a concentration of alpha particle emitters within the materials. The invention includes methods of reducing alpha particle flux in various lead-containing and lead-free materials through purification of the materials. The invention also includes methods of estimating the fractionation of a low concentration of one or more alpha particle emitters during purification of a material.

Abstract: Thermal interface materials are disclosed that include at least one matrix material component, at least one high conductivity filler component, at least one solder material; and at least one material modification agent, wherein the at least one material modification agent improves the thermal performance, compatibility, physical quality or a combination thereof of the thermal interface material. Methods of forming thermal interface materials are also disclosed that include providing each of the at least one matrix material component, at least one high conductivity filler, at least one solder material and at least one material modification agent, blending the components; and optionally curing the components pre- or post-application of the thermal interface material to the surface, substrate or component.

Abstract: Lead-free solder compositions having a thermal conductivity are disclosed that include at least about 2% of silver, at least about 60% of bismuth, and at least one additional metal in an amount that will increase the thermal conductivity of the solder composition over a comparison solder composition consisting of silver and bismuth, wherein the at least one additional metal does not significantly modify the solidus temperature and does not shift the liquidus temperature outside of an acceptable liquidus temperature range.

Abstract: Synergistically-modified surfaces are described herein, where a surface having a surface profile is synergistically modified such that the thermal contact resistance between the surface and the at least one thermal interface material is reduced as compared to a surface that is not synergistically modified. Methods are also described herein of producing a synergistically-modified surface, comprising a) providing a surface having a surface profile, b) providing at least one thermal interface material, c) synergistically modifying the surface profile of the surface such that thermal contact resistance between the surface and the at least one thermal interface material is reduced as compared to a surface that is not synergistically modified. Layered components are also disclosed that comprise a synergistically-modified surface; a thermal interface material; and at least one additional layer of material.

Abstract: Components and materials, including thermal interface materials, described herein include at least one matrix component, at least one high conductivity component, and at least one solder material. In some embodiments, the at least one high conductivity component includes a filler component, a lattice component or a combination thereof. Methods are also described herein of producing a thermal interface material that include providing at least one matrix component, providing at least one high conductivity component, providing at least one solder material, and blending the at least one matrix component, the at least one high conductivity component and the at least one solder material.

Abstract: The invention includes solder materials having low concentrations of alpha particle emitters, and includes methods of purification of materials to reduce a concentration of alpha particle emitters within the materials. The invention includes methods of reducing alpha particle flux in various lead-containing and lead-free materials through purification of the materials. The invention also includes methods of estimating the fractionation of a low concentration of one or more alpha particle emitters during purification of a material.