Question about ASUS Rog Maximus X Hero

The M.2_1 port is located under the "Republic of Gamers" metal part. You have to remove it to get access. All well and good, but in any case there is a sticky green, rather soft substance directly under the metal part. My question: Should this help with cooling or should I remove it completely? I had to remove a small piece of foil beforehand to expose this substance! I also called Asus support and they told me to take pictures and send them in.