I've recently come across a method of conductive paint through a mix of a glue / liquid tape and graphite powder. This interests me for a few DIY
applications, but I would first like a cheap source of graphite powder. Pencil lead is conductive, but mixed with clay. Could pencil lead be powdered,
put underwater to 'wash' the clay and others out of the mix, and leave behind only graphite?
Or is there a better method of conductive paint/glue?
I would first like a cheap source of graphite powder
Hardware store, next to the other lubricants.Diablo - 19-8-2012 at 15:47
Also for a different conductive ink epoxy is mixed with copper powder that has been etched with an acid to remove non conductive oxides.
[Edited on 8-19-2012 by Diablo]elementcollector1 - 21-8-2012 at 11:10
How does the copper-epoxy do, in terms of resistance?
Also, pencil lead would be a cheaper source of graphite than the lubricant section. I think.barley81 - 21-8-2012 at 18:48
I don't think that clay can be easily separated from graphite in pencils. The wax binder can be removed with a suitable solvent, but the clay is a
problem.
Also, look here for something interesting:
firefox-fx.com/ChemC.htm
Hollow microspheres, very light weight manufactured for a paint additive in radar absorbing coatings for the stealth aircraft. It is conductive and
can be used in conductive mixtures. Mixed with iron powders, it produces beautiful branching yellow sparks. Once this is gone, it's gone!! The
manufacturer is no longer in business."
$5.25/lbDiablo - 21-8-2012 at 21:58
I found the conductive epoxy via hackaday http://hackaday.com/2012/05/18/conductive-ink-circuit-experi... and the site it led to did not have much information, however i would think it
would be more conductive than a carbon based solution. Also for the graphit you could try the bricks of artists pencils which are conductive and
mostly carbon.barbs09 - 22-8-2012 at 16:28
How about this stuff. Liquid Chrome aerosol. Looks like it's loaded with metal and could conduct?
I already saw a conductive glue using epoxy and very fine copper powder. I don't know but you can make really fine copper powder by reduction of
copper sulphate with ascorbic acid to make copper I oxide. Then add diluted H2SO4 to make CuSO4 and Cu. It can also be made by reduction of CuSO4 sol.
with Zinc dust.
Nevermind, I learned how to make a circuitboard. Back to soldering!barley81 - 24-8-2012 at 15:09
Nice! You probably knew this already, but a good cheap etchant can be made by mixing muriatic acid from the store with 3% hydrogen peroxide in a 1:3
ratio. I use this for my etching and it works quickly and doesn't stain like ferric chloride.elementcollector1 - 25-8-2012 at 14:29
Thanks for the info! How fast does this work, by the way?Diablo - 25-8-2012 at 16:22
Quite fast, and it's regeneratable.elementcollector1 - 26-8-2012 at 16:54
Would Sharpie work as a protector from the etchant?Diablo - 26-8-2012 at 17:09
I'm not sure but i believe it would, also an idea, if you have acetone, styrofoam, and a syringe youl could draw it on in polystyrene and clean the
board after etching.
[Edited on 8-27-2012 by Diablo]watson.fawkes - 26-8-2012 at 18:28
Would Sharpie work as a protector from the etchant?
It can, but it's not very reliable. Enamel paint (for
model airplanes etc., also available in pens) or nail polish are both reliable.elementcollector1 - 26-8-2012 at 20:48
Got it, thanks.morganism - 10-12-2012 at 22:55
conductive epoxy is used by aircraft mechanics, and has a limited shelf life. Can prob find it overdated cheap.
Latest conductive film is silver acetate on poly. Just saw it on PhysOrg 12/1/12jock88 - 13-12-2012 at 06:02
