SSP makes electrically conductive elastomers that provide EMI shielding. They use silicone or fluorosilicone as the base elastomer and are filled with metallic particles. Contact us.
What are Conductive Elastomers?
Conductive elastomers combine the flexibility and resilience of elastomers (rubber-like polymers) with the electrical conductivity of metals or conductive polymers. This hybrid property set makes them essential in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and consumer goods.
Electrically Conductive Filler Materials
Conductive elastomers are typically composed of an elastomeric matrix embedded with conductive fillers. The matrix offers mechanical flexibility, while the fillers allow the composite to conduct electricity.
The most common conductive fillers include:
Carbon black
Graphene
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
Metallic particles (silver, nickel, copper)
Conductive polymers (e.g., polyaniline, polypyrrole)
Comparing Conductive Elastomers
Performance depends on factors like filler type, dispersion, matrix compatibility, and filler concentration.
Filler Type | Conductivity Level | Flexibility Impact | Cost Level |
Carbon Black | Moderate | Low | Low |
Graphene | High | Moderate | High |
Carbon Nanotubes | Very High | Moderate | Very High |
Metallic Particles | Extremely High | Reduced | High |
Conductive Polymers | Moderate-High | High | Medium |
Properties of Conductive Elastomers
The main properties of conductive elastomers are:
Electrical Conductivity: Essential for static dissipation, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and sensor applications.
Elasticity and Flexibility: Allows the material to deform and recover without losing conductivity.
Chemical Resistance: Critical in aerospace and medical applications.
Thermal Stability: Enables use in high-heat environments.
A balance between electrical and mechanical properties is key. High filler content often increases conductivity but can degrade elasticity and flexibility.
EMI Shielding and Other Applications
One of the most established uses of conductive elastomers is in electromagnetic interference shielding. Their flexibility allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, providing reliable protection against interference in sensitive electronic systems.
Industry | Application |
Aerospace | EMI shielding in aircraft connectors |
Automotive | Anti-static components, sensors |
Electronics | Keypads, touch sensors, flexible circuits |
Medical devices | Wearable biosensors, implants |
Consumer goods | Stretchable electronics, smart textiles |
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In recent years, conductive elastomers have evolved significantly, driven by breakthroughs in nanotechnology. Incorporating graphene and CNTs has drastically improved their performance:
Self-Healing Elastomers: Materials that repair microcracks, maintaining conductivity.
Stretchable Supercapacitors: Combining energy storage with mechanical elasticity.
Soft Robotics: Artificial muscles and tactile sensors use conductive elastomers to mimic biological tissue
The future of conductive elastomers lies in their role in emerging fields such as:
Bioelectronics: Integration into human-machine interfaces for medical diagnostics.
Artificial Skin: Sensors embedded into prosthetics and robotics.
Flexible Batteries: Combining elastomers with energy storage systems for next-gen electronics.
Ongoing interdisciplinary research into polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and material engineering is expected to deliver new solutions that mitigate current limitations and expand applications.
