How do I prepare the surfaces that I want to bond together?
All surfaces that require bonding should first be cleaned using Eurobond (isopropyl impregnated) Surface Cleaning Wipes to remove any oil, grease or dirt, then lightly abraded and then cleaned again to remove any dust or debris. Do not use meths, white spirits or aromatic cleaners as these will leave a microscopic film on the substrate which will contaminate the bond line and act as a barrier preventing the adhesive from adhering properly to the surface.
Can I use conductive adhesives to replace solder?
Electrically conductive adhesives are often used as a more effective alternative to conventional soldering. They are particularly suitable for making electrical contacts on temperature-sensitive substrates, as their curing temperature lies clearly below soldering temperature. In addition the adhesives are much more flexible than solder and are therefore better able to withstand vibrations. A further advantage over soldering is that conductive adhesives are lead- and solvent-free.
What conductive medium is used in Elecolit® conductive adhesives?
All Elecolit® conductive adhesives use silver flakes as the conductive medium.
What are the main differences between a one or two component conductive adhesive?
Typically one component electrically conductive adhesives require heat to accelerate their curing profile and are solvent based and effectively air dry when the adhesive is applied as a coating and exposed to the atmosphere. Two component conductive adhesives will only start to cure when part A is mixed with part B. This means they are less wasteful as you will only mix and use the quantity required.
I need conductivity in one direction
Anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACA) contain special conductive particles in the µm range, which conduct electricity only in one direction. These adhesives are used, for example, in many sensitive structures on circuit boards, such as LCD connections or contacting flexible PCBs, or for bonding antenna structures on RFIDs.
I need conductivity in all directions
Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICA) are electrically conductive in all directions. They are used in applications such as chip contacting and bonding electrically conductive SMDs.
How do I apply the adhesive?
Single-component adhesives can be applied with dispensers, or jet- or screen-printed. Two component adhesives can be applied by hand or screen printed.
The current view on electrically conductive adhesives
Electrically conductive adhesives are now commonplace and have contributed immensely to the micro design of everyday consumer electronic devices. iPads, mobile phones medical devices, flexible PCB’s, wearable conductive clothing, RFID tagging and RFI shielding are just some common applications with which we are all familiar. In this article, Simon Dearing, Managing Director of Eurobond Adhesives, reveals more about the technology and how to use and maximize it.
