Electrically conductive adhesive

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:-

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 PCB track, to paint-on an electrical screen, or to make electrical connections to non-solderable surfaces. [4]

Conductive Silver, SEM image. Visible width of picture is 434µm.

• One could fix a defective conductor on a printed circuit board using an electrically conductive adhesive. In the same way, one could fix a defective rear windscreen heater on a car using an electrically conductive adhesive.

• If just a small current is needed, a temperature-sensitive electronic element can be electrically connected to a circuit using an electrically conductive adhesive instead of soldering.

• Electrically conductive adhesives can be used to paint the inner surface of plastic boxes containing electronic devices. This makes a Faraday Cage saving the internal components from electromagnetic radiation.

• Electrically conductive adhesives are used in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to fix and ground the sample to avoid electrostatic charging of the surface.

• A. Pizzi, K.L. Mittal (2003). Handbook of Adhesive Technology page 855ff . Marcel Dekker Inc. ISBN 0-8247-0986-1