Conductive silicone rubber is flexible, weather-resistant, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Keep reading to learn about its properties, and contact SSP for EMI shielding silicones and fabricated products.
Material Properties
Electrically conductive silicone rubber is a composite material. Typically, the base is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). To this base, conductive fillers such as carbon black, silver-plated particles, nickel-coated graphite, or pure silver are added. The choice of filler determines the level of electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and cost of the final product.
Electrical Characteristics
Conductive silicone rubber exhibits a wide range of resistivity, typically from 10³ to 10⁻³ ohm·cm depending on the filler concentration and type. The percolation threshold,the minimum amount of conductive filler required to create a conductive path, is critical. Beyond this threshold, conductivity increases significantly. Fine-tuning the filler concentration is essential to achieve the desired balance between electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Silicone rubber maintains excellent mechanical resilience even after the addition of conductive fillers. It remains highly flexible, with typical elongations at break exceeding 100%, and can operate across a wide temperature range, typically from -55°C to 200°C. Conductive silicone rubber also retains outstanding weatherability, UV resistance, and chemical inertness.
Ask SSP about Conductive Silicone Properties
SSP makes electrically conductive silicones and can help you to select the right elastomer based on the conductive silicone properties you need. Contact us.
