Is Plastic Conductive?
Is plastic conductive? In general, the answer is no. Most plastics are excellent insulators. However, there are ways to achieve conductive plastic… Want to know how?
You might wonder why conductive plastic is necessary. The answer becomes evident when you look at the diverse applications of conductive plastic. Conductive plastics are used in touchscreens, electromagnetic shielding, and antistatic packaging, among others.
Let’s begin by considering non-conductive plastics. Materials such as Polyethylene and Polypropylene, commonly used in packaging and containers, are insulators that do not conduct electricity. However, it’s essential to note that not all plastics are equal in this regard. Certain plastics, like Polycarbonate and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), can be rendered conductive by incorporating carbon or metal particles into the plastic resin during the manufacturing process.
While these conductive plastics can transmit electricity to some extent, they are not as efficient as traditional metals like copper or aluminium. There is another way to achieve a (better) conductive plastic…
Imagine a process that enables the deposition of a thin conductive film onto any plastic, endowing it with conductivity. Well, the good news is that such a method exists! Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is one such substance that possesses both optical transparency and electrical conductivity.
Although the plastic itself may not inherently conduct electricity, the conductivity of ITO-coated plastic significantly enhances the plastic’s conductivity.
Indium Tin Oxide can also be deposited onto glass, offering conductive glass solutions for applications like solar cells, heater windows, smart glass, and even touch screens on devices such as mobile phones.
ITO conductive plastic plays a vital role in various industries. It is utilised in the production of touch screens, pacemakers, defibrillators, automotive components (such as fuel tanks and fuel lines to prevent static electricity build-up), heated car seats, and food warming trays.
A Trusted Supplier of ITO Conductive Plastic
At our state-of-the-art facility, we possess the capabilities to coat flat, curved, or injection-moulded shapes up to 1000 mm by 1000 mm in size. Our conductive plastic solutions offer sheet resistances ranging from 8 to 1000 Ohms/sq. With a global customer base, we have established ourselves as a market leader in specialist coatings over the past two decades.
If you have any requirements for conductive plastic, please get in touch with us today. We are dedicated to providing optimum service and supplying our customers with the very best conductive plastic solutions. Contact us and a member of our technical team will get right back to you.
