RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 1, 2004
DuPont Enhances Membrane Switch Reliability with New Silver Migration-Resistant Polymer Thick Film (PTF) Conductive Compositions
DuPont Microcircuit Materials announces two new screen-printable, silver-based polymer thick film (PTF) conductive compositions developed for the appliance industry that significantly reduce silver migration and increase circuit life and reliability. The newly developed silver PTF conductors, APP11 and APP21, have been tested for 1,000 hours at 85°C and 85 percent relative humidity under bias (10V DC), and considerably reduce silver migration compared to conventional technology. New silver migration-resistant conductor technology enhances membrane switch reliability and may enable new cost-effective approaches to circuit design. DuPont presents a paper about these new compositions titled "Silver Migration-Resistant Polymer Thick Film Conductors for Appliance Circuitry" at the 2004 International Appliance Technical Conference & Exhibition held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington, Ky., March 29 - 31, 2004.
Silver PTF conductors have been used for more than 20 years in the production of low voltage membrane touch switches (MTS) for use in dishwashers, microwave ovens, and washer/dryers. High conductivity and the relatively low cost of silver conductors are advantages but silver conductors can be subject to "silver migration." Silver migration occurs when a silver conductor is exposed to moisture under a bias (5V, for example). Dendrites grow from an exposed silver conductor trace to an adjacent trace, effectively causing a short circuit and rendering the circuit inoperative. DuPont APP11 and APP21 conductive compositions significantly reduce growth of these dendrites.
DuPont Microcircuit Materials has over 35 years of experience in the development, manufacture, sale, and support of specialized thick film compositions and DuPont™ Green Tape™ materials for a wide variety of electronic applications in the automotive, biomedical, industrial, military, and telecommunications markets. For more information about DuPont polymer thick film compositions for membrane switches contact DuPont Microcircuit Materials at 1-800-557-4505 or visit www.dupont.com/mcm.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
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