Conductive epoxies enhance performance and reliability across industries, from advanced electronics to aerospace engineering. What are conductive epoxies, what are their benefits and common uses, and which types might you consider for your needs?
At United Resin, we offer a wide range of high-quality conductive epoxy resin products, including thermally conductive epoxy and electrically conductive epoxy solutions. Our products have applications in electronics, adhesives, aerospace, marine, and automotive settings. This is a guide on what conductive epoxies are and how they work, plus some of their benefits and applications. United Resin’s top conductive epoxy resin systems are featured below.
Basics on Conductive Epoxies
Conductive epoxies are advanced adhesives that combine the strength and durability of traditional epoxy resin with the ability to conduct electricity or transfer heat. Conductive epoxies are ideal for a wide range of applications, as they can provide both structural integrity and electrical or thermal conductivity.
Conductive epoxies typically consist of an epoxy resin base combined with conductive fillers, such as silver, nickel, copper, carbon, or graphite. The filler type, particle size, shape (flake, sphere, fiber), and loading or concentration (how much filler is used) all affect final conductivity, adhesion, flexibility, and application suitability of the epoxy.
Electrically Conductive Epoxy Vs. Thermally Conductive Epoxy
Two primary types of conductive epoxies are electrically conductive and thermally conductive. While both offer conductivity, they serve different purposes and have distinct properties.
- Electrically conductive epoxy: These epoxies are designed for electrical conductivity. The electrically conductive epoxies use fillers such as silver, nickel, copper, aluminum, and carbon or graphite. They offer high conductivity for circuit bonding and solutions for EMI shielding.
- Thermally conductive epoxy: These epoxies are optimized for transferring heat efficiently from one point to another without necessarily making the resin electrically conductive. They often contain fillers with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, silicon carbide or graphite. This type of epoxy is commonly used in electronic devices and components that generate a lot of heat.
Key Benefits of Conductive Epoxy Resin Products
There are several major benefits of conductive epoxy resin products:
- Conductivity: Conductive epoxy resins transfer heat or electricity from one point to another with high efficiency, ensuring improved performance and reliability in electronic devices and components.
- Heat dissipation: Conductive epoxy resins effectively dissipate heat from high-powered electronic components, preventing overheating and potential damage and extending device lifespan.
- Adhesion: Conductive epoxy resins create strong bonds between electrical components, ensuring efficient transfer of electricity or heat and long-lasting reliability.
- Chemical resistance: Many conductive epoxy resins are highly resistant to chemicals, making them ideal for harsh environments where exposure to corrosive substances is a concern.
- Mechanical strength and high durability: Conductive epoxy resins reflect the high mechanical strength of epoxy, making them ideal for applications where durability is important. Conductive epoxy resins can resist physical stress and vibration and withstand the rigors of daily use of devices without compromising performance.
- Thermal stability: Conductive epoxy resins have good thermal stability, meaning they can maintain their properties and performance even at high temperatures. This makes them suitable for demanding applications, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
- Easy application: Conductive epoxy resins are easy to apply, with their ability to flow into small gaps and crevices. This allows for precise placement, ensuring a strong bond between surfaces.
Common Applications of Conductive Epoxies
Both thermally conductive epoxy and electrically conductive epoxy products facilitate a wide range of applications. These include:
- Electronics: Bond electronic components together, creating compact and durable circuitry that is essential in modern electronics.
- Aerospace: Secure lightweight sensors and systems within aircraft, satellites, and space vehicles, to meet strength, weight and reliability standards.
- Automotive: Support fuel efficiency with strong lightweight bonding in electric vehicle batteries and sensors.
- Telecommunications: Ensure durability in bonding delicate components within devices such as cell phones, routers, and satellite equipment.
- Energy and renewable sources: Enhance efficiency and durability in bonding solar panels and other renewable energy equipment.
- Industrial and robotics: Ensure robust adhesion for instrumentation and optoelectronic components.
Conductive epoxy is one of the most versatile adhesives available, making it a vital component in many cutting-edge technologies.
Top United Resin Electrically Conductive and Thermally Conductive Epoxy Resin Products
At United Resin, we offer a selection of high-quality conductive epoxy resin solutions for a range of industries and applications. We offer both thermally conductive epoxy and electrically conductive epoxy solutions for all your conductive adhesive needs.
Electrically Conductive Epoxy Resin Products:
United Resin Conductive Epoxy with Hardener 601
Our most popular system, with very low resistivity and good lap shear strength. Approved and listed under NSN 8040-01-518-7921. Military-grade material meets Mil-Spec MMM-A-1931 TYPE II.
United Resin Nickel Conductive Epoxy Paste Adhesive with Hardener 205
For those electrically conductive applications exposed to salt water. Approved and listed under NSN 8040-01-231-2399.
United Resin Conductive Epoxy with Hardeners TP-41F, 143, 110, 117, or 740
Designed to make electrical connections where soldering is impractical and for RF shielding applications. With Hardener 143, approved and listed under NSN 8040-00-450-7259.
United Resin Single Component Conductive Epoxy
This is an electrically conductive single component epoxy with the convenience of a one-component system. This product eliminates the process of mixing resin and hardener, with no need for mixing or dispensing systems. May be used in many electrical applications and as a non-wicking or controlled-flow solder.
Thermally Conductive Epoxy Resin Products:
Excellent thermal cycling performance with 60 minutes working time. Large potting will cure overnight without a heat cure.
Excellent thermal conductivity with superior flow performance. Temperature up to 500F.
All United Resin epoxy systems are non-hazardous and REACH/RoHS compliant.