Effects of hybrid fillers based on micro- and nano-sized silver particles on the electrical performance of epoxy composites

Abstract

In the present study, electrically conductive adhesives produced from hybrid fillers based on micro- and nano-sized silver (Ag) was developed. The influence of the hybrid filler composition on the electrical properties of the hybrid system was studied. The electrical conductivity of the epoxy composites filled with micro- and nano-silver was correlated with their morphologies. A positive effect was observed in the electrical conductivity result when the composition of micro- and nano-sized Ag particles reached a 50:50 weight ratio. The nano-sized Ag particles became interconnecting particles in the interstitial spaces between micro-sized particles. Micrograph scanning shows that the particles were well distributed and dispersed, the separation between lumps of Ag filler by the insulating matrix was significantly reduced, leading to the formation of continuous linkages. The increased electrical conductivity resulted in a charge around the particle distribution, which led to the high capacity. Hence, these particles increased the conductivity of the system.