Particle-filled silicone are elastomeric compounds that combine the advantages of silicone with electrical properties of metals. Conductive silicone materials can include the following filler materials: nickel, graphite, silver, copper, and aluminum.
Particle-filled silicone materials provide shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Silicone in itself boasts a number of tremendous properties, including high performance at extreme temperatures (-50°C - 350°C), durability and abrasion resistance, chemical stability, and electrical insulation. This combination of features makes particle-filled silicone materials ideal for EMI seals and gaskets in a range of applications and industries, including the demanding applications of the military and aerospace industries.
Some designers have concerns about using particle-filled silicone. Silicone has desirable material properties, but loading a high percentage of particle filler into the rubber in an effort to increase conductivity can result in negative tradeoffs. Typically industry professionals worry that particle filled electrically-conductive silicone will exhibit the following negative material features:
- too hard
- too brittle
- too expensive
- have long lead times
- limited by mold size dimensions
- not thin enough for newer, thinner designs
We find that suppliers are offering specialty silicone that is not too hard, too brittle, too expensive, take too long to produce, or are too thick.
BISCO EC-2130 Electrically Conductive Solid Silicone
This is an example of a material manufactured by Rogers Corporation. BISCO EC-2130 conductive silicones reduce EMI in a range of electronic applications. They have a low durometer which creates low compressive forces. This is just one material example among many that can be converted at Marian.
Download BISCO EC-2130 Material Data Sheet
View Other EMI Shielding Solutions from Marian
Marian can source a variety of particle-filled silicone materials and can convert the materials to create customized parts for your application. Please contact us today for additional information.
