Change Language
Introduction
Almost every action and movement nowadays are powered by electronics; hence, it calls for Conductive Paints that act as a path for electrical charges. Essentially, this masterpiece has been existing for quite a long time already, developed primarily for the electronics industry.
Typically, they can be found in every electronic device that incorporates a circuit board in them due to their remarkable properties and capabilities. In terms of integration, these Conductive Paints are embedded inside the electronic device’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
At first, there has been some advancement in this component over the years. Furthermore, it has a wide range of classifications depending on the desired application. It has been designed that way to fully reach the device’s optimum performance. Hence, it would be highly beneficial to initially consider the purpose and application before applying a Conductive Paint.
In line with this, we’d like to further dig deep into the definition of Conductive Paint, the proper way of using it, its distinction from Conductive Ink, its various classifications, pros, cons, and different applications. In that way, we can fully comprehend the concept and principle of a Conductive Paint; thus, it would be vital to complete the entire post.
Introduction to Conductive Paint
What is Conductive Paint?
As its term implies, Conductive Paint is a substance that has the ability to conduct something, particularly electricity. Additionally, since it is a paint, it is applied by spraying or brushing into the circuit board, making its incorporation versatile, accessible, and straightforward.
Simply put, it is comprised of various pigments that are highly conductive, including nickel, copper, silver, and even varieties of carbon particles of dissolved carbon solution. Along with that, it has several formulations depending on a particular application. However, its consistency must be severely fine for the exceptional binding outcome of the paint.
Essentially, the current principle of the Conductive Paint is pretty simple; it flows through the applied paint, hops into a nanoparticle, then to another particle. Hence, it is necessary that each of these particles is compactly designed together to prevent the missing transmission of charges. In case it happens, it would create a huge impact on the performance of the circuitry. Therefore, the application of Conductive Paint should be thoroughly performed.
In-Depth Understanding of Conductive Paint
How to Employ Conductive Paint?
Similar to other electronically painted conductive materials, Conductive Paints are applied by brushing or spraying directly through a circuit board. Since the Conductive Paint can be sticky in structure due to its high viscosity, it can act as an adhesive if cured at room temperature. Hence, it is highly feasible to link different electrical components without the assistance of a soldering iron.
Along with that, Conductive Paint can be applied through textiles, making them accessible to almost every wearable technology existing in today’s world. Nevertheless, as of the moment, they are focused on the field of Printed Capacitive Sensors.
Ways to Utilize the Conductive Paint
Difference Between Conductive Paint and Conductive Ink
In some cases, a lot of people get confused between Conductive Paint and Conductive Ink; thus, leading to the interchanging of terms. Although they are almost similar in a sense, they have a slight amount of distinction based on their usage and fit applications.
To put it simply, Conductive Paints are applied by spraying or brushing at the utmost surface of the substrate. Further, they are often deployed in industrial applications, photovoltaics, medical equipment, wearable technologies, and a lot more. On the contrary, Conductive Inks are embedded into the substrate through a printing mechanism, such as fabric and paper. However, Conductive Inks can also be applied to the substrate through flexography, rotogravure, dipping, and syringe dispensing.
In line with this, if planning to utilize the paint or ink in a Low Volume PCB Assembly, then it is recommended to go for Conductive Ink. On the other hand, we suggest going for Conductive Paint if the production necessitates High Volume PCB Assembly. Overall, either can be used in one’s application; however, it is crucial to consider the substrate and the application manner before selecting whether to go for Conductive Paint or Conductive Ink.
Different Classifications of Conductive Paint
In essence, a way to conduct current is through a particular material; metal or graphite particles. Hence, in this section, we will distinguish the different classes of Conductive Paints based on their material composition.
Metal-Based Conductive Paint
Typically, Metal-Based Conductive Paint utilizes elements like copper and silver as their composition material since it offers greater conductivity while being malleable and versatile. In line with this, they are capable of tolerating high amounts of current transmission due to the metal particles formation. Thus, if planning to utilize a Conductive Paint in high load operations, we advise selecting the classification with a material composition on them.
In spite of the benefits it brings, it has its drawbacks. One of the significant cons of dealing with Metal-Based Conductive Paints is their oxidation; hence, having a poor lifespan. Furthermore, since it necessitates a solvent to imitate pain-like properties, they are prone to combustion. Ultimately, this particular metal is challenging to acquire; hence, its availability is fluctuating. Although it doesn’t bring that much of a problem if planning to utilize it in a single time, if one decided to integrate it in a continuous manner, then it might be complicated.
Carbon-Based Conductive Paint
In this situation, instead of using legit carbon, a lot of experts utilize graphite; although, it is still a form of carbon that is crystallized. It has been taken this way since graphite has exceptional oxidation resistance and thermal reliability.
They are often utilized as paint since they can easily dry at room temperature without the need for additional treatment. In addition, its composition is created with an ultra-fine particle along with a liquid substance. In this way, they wouldn’t be able to oxide quickly if exposed to water or moisture. Thus, making the Graphite-Based Conductive Paint not waterproof. In some instances, it can be dealt with by integrating any waterproof coating. However, there are materials that aren’t friendly with particular materials that can easily resist water-based paints.
Similar to Metal-Based Conductive Paint, it has its own drawbacks. One of its major downsides is the current transmission. In Carbon-Based or Graphite-Based materials, they offer weaker transmission due to their fewer conductive characteristics, unlike metal ones. Thus, slowing the entire communication process, leading to a limited extent of application.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Conductive Paint
As of the moment, Conductive Paint is still being used in countless of the industry even with the potential risk of replacing them with Solid Conductors. In this section, we’ll exactly know the capabilities and limitations of a Conductive Paint.
Advantages
- Flexible Medium – Since Conductive Paints are applied by either spraying or brushing, it makes it easy to integrate them into the substrate; thus, making them a versatile solution due to their media like paper and fabric. In lieu of that, they’ve become a feasible alternative for automated production.
- Straightforward – Every people know how to spray and brush; hence, they can be applied even without extensive knowledge of circuitries. Given its unrivaled convenience functionality, conductive paint has become a critical instrument in electronics and circuit learning, in addition to a solution for rapid maintenance.
Disadvantages
- Durability – As we all know, Conductive Paints are highly flexible; hence, their structural composition lacks rigidity. Due to this, it offers poor durability and reliability to the device since it only has a few solid foundations. Consequently, Conductive Paint is rarely used on rough objects. However, there is a positive aspect to this disadvantage; they are straightforward to maintain and fix.
- Conductivity – In comparison with Solid Conductors, Conductive Paints offer lesser conductivity since the transmission relies on creating a continuous bridge for the particles to hop from one terminal to another. In this scenario, Solid Conductors don’t have any issues with it. However, for Conductive Paints, there are many aspects to consider in achieving this objective, including their thickness and curing period.
Various Applications of Conductive Paint
Essentially, there are countless industries that still prefer Conductive Paints over Solid Conductors in their substrates because it is way appropriate for their purpose and operation. In this section, we’ll know the industries that utilize such components in their devices.
- RFI Shielding and EMI Protection
- Prototyping, Maintaining, and Fixing Circuitry
- ESD Protection
- Grounding Surfaces
- Galvanic Resistance to Corrosion
- Electroplating Plastics
- Wearable Technologies
- RFID Tags
How To Make Homemade Conductive Paint?
If planning to replicate a Conductive Paint at home, there are several things one must prepare to perform the application. In this sector, we’ll thoroughly discuss its step-by-step way.
First, it is important to prepare the following things:
- Acrylic Paint
- Graphite Powder
- Painting Tools
- Potentiometer (optional)
After gathering all of these, we can proceed with the process.
1st Step: Combine the Graphite with Paint
Before proceeding with the process, we recommend using a mask since some of the ingredients are quite powdery. After that, we can touch on the first step. To begin, it is suggested to mix the graphite with black acrylic paint, then follow the 2:1 proportion of graphite and paint, respectively. After that, stir it and add a little bit of water to it.
2nd Step: Spread the Paint and Collect the Data
Secondly, we can now incorporate the graphite paint into the substrate, then leave it at room temperature. If one wishes to have an idea of the resistance value, use a potentiometer. However, if it doesn’t show any results, it is recommended to brush another layer of paint.
3rd Step: Finishing
Overall, it can be challenging to create a flawless Conductive Paint. Also, as we conduct a similar procedure, we weren’t able to meet our desired conductivity. Hence, if it isn’t that necessary to produce it at one’s home, we recommend just obtaining one from a reliable distributor or manufacturer.
How Long Does Conductive Paint Last?
In a nutshell, Conductive Paints have their own unique characteristics that make them reliable and don’t degrade over a particular period since it has properties that don’t make them change over time. However, there are ways to prolong its life, and that is through proper cleaning, drying, and maintenance. In case the material wasn’t applied and stored properly, it can crack; thus, leading to breakage. Although there are cracks that can be treated, it is still advisable to perform appropriate incorporation and maintenance to prevent this occurrence.
Overall, the Conductive Paint can withstand approximately one to two years if left unopened. Otherwise, it can only last for six (6) months.
Lifespan of Conductive Paint
Conclusion
In summary, Conductive Paints are regarded to be an essential element in producing flawlessly functioning circuitry. Hence, it is advisable to carefully consider the desired purpose and application before selecting the appropriate paint for the device. Further, without the help of Conductive Paint, the creation and transmission of current and electricity wouldn’t be possible.
At PCBTok, we create a Conductive Paint that is top-tier by following international standard guidelines. Therefore, if you’re still unsure whether to create one at your home or purchase it from a third-party shop, then do not hesitate any longer since we provide quality Conductive Paint for various applications. In case we don’t have a particular classification for the consumer’s desired applications, we will specially develop one for it.
What are you looking forward to? Please contact us today, and we will ensure that you will have a wonderful time with us. We sincerely appreciate our consumers, and we always ensure that you receive nothing but the finest from us. Contact us right away via our socials for swift transactions!