Method for applying a conductive paint coating and articles made thereby

Abstract

Abstract An electrically conductive paint for applying to substrates to make articles of manufacture including EMI/RFI shielded housings of electronic components and printing plates comprises a cross-linked organic resin binder containing cross-linkable functional groups such as OH groups, electrically conductive metallic particles, preferably a mixture of silver flakes and silver-coated copper flakes, a solvent, a cross-linking agent which cross-links with itself and with the functional groups of the organic binder and preferably a catalyst which accelerates cross-linking of the cross-linking agent and organic binder. Using such a paint formulation it has been found that thinner coatings can be used while still exceeding the properties needed for EMI/RFI shielding of housing for electronic components. A Theological additive which is an organic derivative of castor oil is preferably used to control the viscosity and spraying characteristics of the paint especially in a paint composition containing silver coated copper flakes. The conductive paint provides a sprayed coating which is durable, has low resistivity and is smooth and has both cohesive and adhesive strength. A method is also provided for forming EMI/RFI shielding on housings for electronic components and electronic components made using the method and paint composition of the invention. Another method is provided for making printing plates used to print a design on an article such as a beverage can. The printing plate is made by applying the conductive paint of the invention to a polymer imaged substrate such as a steel plate.

Inventors

• 👤 Vincent Paneccasio, Jr.
• 👤 Mark P. Chasse′

Bibliographic Details