Effect of the Silver with Different Morphologies on the Performance of Electrically Conductive Adhesives

The morphology of silver fillers, the surface lubricants of the silver fillers, the composition of the resin matrix, and curing procedures will affect the performance of electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). The morphology of silver fillers is a crucial factor. The effect of silver with different morphologies on the performance of ECAs under the same conditions was studied. Silver flakes, silver spheres and silver wires were prepared and treated with glutaric acid to eliminate the effects of other factors. Then, these silver particles were used as conductive fillers and composited with epoxy resin to prepare ECAs. The thermal degradation, electrical conduction properties, mechanical properties and storage stability of ECAs were investigated. The results show that the ECAs filled with silver wires exhibit the lowest electrical resistivity and percolation threshold and the best mechanical properties as well as good storage stability compared to the other ECAs under the same conditions. The ECAs filled with silver flakes show better electrical conduction properties and storage stability but poorer mechanical properties than the ECAs filled with silver spheres.