Electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs)

There are a number of different electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) from Henkel under the Loctite brand. These ECA adhesives – also known as conductive adhesives – differ in terms of their curing conditions, curing time and number of components, among other things.

Three ECAs that are particularly easy to handle are presented in this article: Loctite Ablestik 57C, Loctite Ablestik 3888 and Loctite Ablestik 3880.

Electrically conductive adhesives are often used as a substitute for soft soldering, for example to make electrical connections or to fasten electrical components.

One of the major advantages of electrically conductive adhesives is that electrically conductive adhesives do not require high temperatures during processing and some even cure at room temperature, which is why some ECAs are sometimes suitable for temperature-sensitive components. ECAs can also sometimes be used on surfaces that would not be suitable for soldering. The advantage of ECAs over leaded solders is that they are lead-free. And the use of conductive adhesives can result in a better bond between the bonded components, which can increase the tensile strength and lead to better vibration resistance.

However, different ECAs sometimes have very different properties. Some, for example, are suitable for higher temperatures during long-term operation. Others are characterized by high conductivity. And still others are suitable for flexible applications.

There are also possible disadvantages of electrically conductive adhesives, for example a possible higher resistance compared to solder. It is also possible that the electrically conductive adhesive is not suitable for currents above a certain level. It should also be noted that the surface must be carefully prepared before bonding and the dosage must also be optimal.

The manufacturer’s instructions must therefore be consulted to find out whether an electrically conductive adhesive is actually suitable for the respective application and which adhesive is suitable. If there is still a need for clarification, you should seek experts from experts.

For more general information on electrically conductive adhesives, read our background article : What is an electrically conductive adhesive?

Loctite Ablestik 57C

The electrically conductive adhesive Loctite Ablestik 57C is one of the easy-to-use ECAs. It is an epoxy adhesive that consists of two components, a resin and a hardener, both of which are available to buy separately.

The resin of Loctite Ablestik 57C is the so-called Part A, which you can find under the following link in the abovo online store: LOCTITE ABLESTIK 57C PTA

The hardening agent of Loctite Ablestik 57C is the so-called Part B, which you can find under the following link in the abovo online store: LOCTITE ABLESTIK 57C PTB

In the following overview we have compiled some of the key properties of Loctite Ablestik 57C:

Technology: Epoxy adhesive
2-component adhesive: resin and hardener
Curing temperature: possible at room temperature
Curing time: 16 to 24 hours at 25 °C, 3 hours at 65 °C, 45 minutes at 100 °C
Electrical conductivity
thermal conductivity
thixotropic
Shipping without freezing / dry ice possible
Operating temperature: – 60 to 120 °C
Shelf life: 365 days
Storage temperature: 18 to 25 °C
Easy to use
Technical data sheet: https://datasheets.tdx.henkel.com/LOCTITE-ABLESTIK-57C-en_GL.pdf

Loctite Ablestik 3888

The electrically conductive adhesive Loctite Ablestik 3888 is also one of the easy-to-use ECAs. Loctite Ablestik 3888 is also a two-component epoxy adhesive.

Under the following link you will find the Loctite Ablestik 3888 in the abovo online store: LOCTITE ABLESTIK 3888

In the following overview, we have compiled some of the key properties of Loctite Ablestik 3888:

Technology: Epoxy adhesive
2-component adhesive: resin and hardener
Curing temperature: room temperature
Curing time: 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, 2 hours at 65 °C, 1 hour at 125 °C
Electrical conductivity
thermal conductivity
Shipping without freezing / dry ice possible
Operating temperature: up to 80 °C
Shelf life: 183 days
Storage temperature: Room temperature
Easy to use
Technical data sheet: https://tdx.henkel.com/com/en.html

It is not recommended to use Loctite Ablestik 3888 adhesive in pure oxygen and/or oxygen-rich systems. It should also not be used as a sealant for chlorine, nor for other strongly oxidizing substances.

Loctite Ablestik 3880

The electrically conductive adhesive Loctite Ablestik 3880, unlike the two ECAs presented so far, is a one-component epoxy adhesive and must therefore be transported/stored at 0 degrees, but this electrically conductive adhesive is also easy to handle.

Under the following link you will find the Loctite Ablestik 3880 in the abovo online store: LOCTITE ABLESTIK 3880

In the following overview we have compiled some of the key properties of Loctite Ablestik 3880:

Technology: Epoxy adhesive
1-component adhesive: no mixing required
Curing temperature: Heat curing
Curing time: 10 minutes at 125 °C; 3 minutes at 175 °C
Electrical conductivity
thermal conductivity
Shipping with Blue Ice/Cold Pack
Shelf life: 183 days
Storage temperature: Conventional refrigerator at 0 °C
Easy to use
Technical data sheet: https://datasheets.tdx.henkel.com/LOCTITE-ABLESTIK-3880-en_GL.pdf

Advice on electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs)

The Swiss specialist wholesaler abovo, based in Selzach in the canton of Solothurn, has been an authorized distributor for Henkel Adhesive Technologies for over 15 years. The Henkel experts at abovo can therefore provide you with expert advice when it comes to the question of whether the electrically conductive adhesive Loctite Ablestik 57C, Loctite Ablestik 3888 or another product is suitable for your application. The easiest way to contact our Henkel Loctite experts at abovo is by telephone on +41 32 552 44 44 or by e-mail at info@abovo.ch.