Conductive Silicones in Elevated Temperatures

Monday, August 23 2010

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As the level of sophistication increases for applications, the ability of the material supplier to aid the manufacturer in choosing an appropriate material remains more crucial than ever. Whether an application requires a conductive or merely static dissipative material, the operating temperature of the application can greatly affect conductivity. With silicone’s insulative nature and large Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), sustaining conductivity as temperatures rise requires a special understanding of silicone chemistry and filler technology. Conductivity can be maintained by adjusting the type, amount, and the particle size and distribution of filler in the silicone matrix. This Application Note discusses the trade-offs one should expect when customizing silicone to remain conductive in elevated temperatures and help explain why changes occur.