Electrically conductive adhesive

Last updated

An electrically conductive adhesive is a glue that is primarily used for electronics.

Contents

The electric conductivity is caused by a component that makes ca. 80% of the total mass of an electrically conductive adhesive. This conductive component is suspended in a sticky component that holds the electrically conductive adhesive together. The particles of the conductive component are in contact to each other and in this way make electric current possible.

Composition

The conductive component can be silver, nickel, copper or graphite. Other conductive materials are possible but unusual. The adhesive component can be a varnish, synthetic resin, or silicone. Variations in conductive component's type and concentration change the resistivity of the adhesive. [1] A typical silver-based conductive adhesive such as that made by Electrolube [2] contains ingredients in the following proportions:

Silver 30-60%
1-Ethoxypropan-2-ol10-30%
Ethanol 10-30%
Acetone 5-10%
Ethyl acetate 1-5%

They are specifically formulated in paste (micro-particles) [3] for use in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and other electron optical applications find use in producing or repairing printed circuit board (PCB) tracks, to paint-on an electrical screen, or to make electrical connections to non-solderable surfaces. [4]

Applications

Conductive silver, SEM image. Visible width of picture is 434mm. Conductive silver.jpg
Conductive silver, SEM image. Visible width of picture is 434μm.

References

  1. "Master Bond Electrically Conductive Adhesives | MasterBond.com". www.masterbond.com. Retrieved 2018-05-07.
  2. "Safety Data Sheet: Silver Conductive Paint | farnell.com" (PDF). www.farnell.com. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  3. "Silver Conductive Paste | antslab.in". www.antslab.in. Retrieved 2020-01-21.
  4. "Silver Paste | americanelements.com". www.americanelements.com. Retrieved 2020-01-21.

Further reading