Onset of electrical conduction in isotropic conductive adhesives: a general theory

A new theory is introduced for the onset of electrical conduction in isotro pic conductive adhesives, based on the observation that conduction is a res ult of the creation of conducting contacts in metal-insulator composite adh esives. The present theory resolves several prevalently contradicting issue s including the onset dependency of electrical conduction on the volume fra ction of filler particles, the particle size, the pressure effect, and the type of insulator matrix of an adhesive. The theory also predicts the condi tion for the occurrence of two percolation thresholds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.