When dispensing electrically conductive adhesives, users can be faced with the challenge of dispensing abrasive material with a high degree of accuracy, independent of viscosity.
Electrically conductive materials are dispersions that are generally referred to as electrically conductive adhesives, silicones, or inks. The materials are divided into different areas: epoxy resins, polyurethanes, silicones, and acrylates. Epoxy resins, in particular, stand out due to their processing and material properties; they are widely used in industry. The solids they contain correspond to the dispersion phase, and they are electrically conductive. Common particle materials include silver, copper, carbon, nickel, or gold.
Another conductive material is graphene, which is a modification of carbon with a two-dimensional structure. In addition to its high thermal and electrical conductivity, this solid is characterized by its low density and high tensile strength. At present, the first dispensing tests are being carried out to determine when the material will be available for industrial applications; this is not yet foreseeable. According to the first results, though, graphene should be well-suited for applications in the wearable and electronics industries.