ECAs are a growing competitor to lead-free solders and silver sintering technologies, and currently see use in several electronics applications, such as automotive electronics, consumer electronics, and display applications.
They are formed from a conductive filler material and a structural resin material. The conductive filler, typically a metal powder, creates a conductive bridge across a join. Meanwhile, the structural polymer resin holds the join together, and the filler particles in place. This new report identifies common filler materials choices, including silver, nickel, and gold, and discusses the merits of each for use in ECAs. Additionally, common polymer resin materials, including epoxy, silicone, and acrylics, are also highlighted.
In addition to these traditional ECAs, IDTechEx has identified several critical developments in ECA production, new products and technologies which may grow to transform the market.
An example of one of the key benefits of ECAs is the low processing temperature, which is much lower than alternative choices, such as solders. This allows ECAs to be used with a wider range of substrate materials, including temperature-sensitive polymer substrates. This makes ECAs a good choice of conductive joining technology for flexible electronics applications.
However, ECAs are not without their drawbacks. A key disadvantage is the high cost of raw materials required. This has impeded their widespread adoption in several applications - when other joining techniques can be used with the same effect, ECAs benefits may not outweigh the cost.
Key application areas for ECAs are divided into current technologies, such as automotive and consumer electronics, as well as RFID and display applications. Examples of more emerging technologies are flexible, printed, and wearable electronics.
"Electrically Conductive Adhesives 2022-2032: Technologies, Markets, and Forecasts" considers both isotropically conductive adhesives (ICAs) and anisotropically conductive adhesives (ACAs), analysing them from both a technical and commercial point of view.
With the potential to impact a wide range of emerging industries, ECAs could become a critical technology in the future, and preparation for their more widespread adoption may be key, according to IDTechEx.
