Conductive paints, pastes and cements
Conductive paints and adhesives are indispensable for SEM and FIB specimen preparation and specimen mounting. They enable quick specimen mounting and deliver the conductivity needed for SEM and FIB applications.
EM-Tec conductive paints and cements from Micro to Nano are specially selected for specimen preparation use in electron microscopy, focused ion beam, electron microprobe and scanning probe applications. EM-Tec conductive paints, pastes and cements offer different properties to cover a variety of applications. The current product line consists of:
- EM-Tec C30 premium water based carbon paint
- EM-Tec C33 fast drying carbon paint
- EM-Tec C32 water based conductive graphene-carbon paint
- EM-Tec STC33 Isopropanol solvent / thinner / cleaner for EM-Tec C33 carbon paint
- EM-Tec C38 strong conductive carbon cement
- EM-Tec AG15 silver paint
- EM-Tec STC15 MEK solvent / thinner / cleaner for EM-Tec AG15 silver paint
- EM-Tec AG42 strong and highly conductive silver cement
- EM-Tec AG44 conductive silver paint
- EM-Tec AG46 water-based conductive silver paint
- EM-Tec AC29 conductive silver coated copper paint
- EM-Tec NI41 strong and good conductive nickel cement
- EM-Tec STC39 Acetone solvent / thinner / cleaner for acrylic based conductive paints / cement
Conductive paint and adhesives are ideal to make conductive paths to ground for SEM specimens. Used for making contacts, conductive bonding of specimens on specimen stubs or shielding surfaces of non-conducting specimens. EM-Tec conductive paint and cements are used for many applications besides electron microscopy in repairing contacts, tracks on circuit boards, prototyping, conductive lubrication, electrochemical plating and EMI/RFI shielding. EM-Tec C30 premium water based conductive carbon paint is solvent free and should be preferred to avoid hydro-carbon contamination in the SEM.
EM-Tec conductive silver epoxies enable embedding and cementing specimens and parts providing high conductivity and good mechanical strength. When the epoxy is cured, the specimen can undergo further preparation steps such as polishing, lapping, thinning, etc. Epoxies are not suitable for soldering, but create conductive contact. EM-Tec silver filled epoxies are a two component system supplied in two syringes. To improve conductivity and to make mixing easy, both components are silver loaded. The amounts of the EM-Tec silver epoxy sets are chosen for affordability, yet sufficient for experiments, specimen preparation and prototyping.
Please also see our range of Carbon tabs and tapes and Conductive metal tapes.
Click here for our quick guide to specifications and SDS's
Specifications and SDS of the EM-Tec conductive paints and cements
Paint / Cement |
EM-Tec |
EM-Tec C32 |
EM-Tec |
EM-Tec |
EM-Tec |
EM-Tec AG42 |
EM-Tec AG44 |
EM-Tec AG46 |
EM-Tec |
EM-Tec |
Product # |
15-001130 |
15-001132 |
15-001133 |
15-001138 |
15-002114 |
15-002141 |
15-002143 |
15-002145 |
15-002129 |
15-004141 |
Filler Type wt% |
Graphite 20% |
Graphite 10% |
Graphite 10% |
Carbon 15% |
Silver 58% |
Silver 73% |
Silver 61% |
Silver 60% |
Copper / Silver 31% |
Nickel 50% |
Type |
thin paste |
thin paste |
thin paint |
thin paste |
paint |
thin paste |
thin paste |
paint |
thin paint |
thin paste |
Resistance (dry) |
30 ohm/sq |
30 ohm/sq |
1200 ohm/sq |
50 ohm/sq |
0.015 ohm/sq |
0.01 ohm/sq |
0.01 ohm/sq |
0.01 ohm/sq |
0.015 ohm/sq |
0.7 ohm/sq |
Binder |
gel |
gel |
polymer |
acrylic |
thermoplastic resin |
acrylic |
acrylic |
urethane |
acrylic |
acrylic |
Solvent |
water |
water |
Toluene |
Water |
Toluene/ |
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Density |
1.12g/cm3 |
1.08g/cm3 |
0.84g/cm3 |
0.85g/cm3 |
1.63g/cm3 |
2.05g/cm3 |
1.7g/cm3 |
1.5g/cm3 |
1.1g/cm3 |
2.1g/cm3 |
Touch dry |
5 min |
5 min |
2-3 min |
3min |
10min |
5min |
3min |
5min |
3min |
5min |
Full cure time @ 22°C |
24hr |
24hr |
1hr |
24hrs |
8hrs |
24hrs |
24hrs |
24hrs |
8hrs |
24hrs |
Full cure time @ 65°C |
45min |
45min |
10min |
30min |
30min |
30min |
30min |
3hrs |
30min |
30min |
Minimum temperature |
-20°C |
-20°C |
-20°C |
-40°C |
-20°C |
-40°C |
-40°C |
-40°C |
-40°C |
-40°C |
Maximum temperature |
+140°C |
+140°C |
+200°C |
+120°C |
+105°C |
+120°C |
+120°C |
+120°C |
+120°C |
+120°C |
Mechanical strength |
low |
low |
low |
high |
medium |
high |
low |
low |
low |
high |
Vacuum compatible (dry) |
excellent |
excellent |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
RoHs compliant |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Weight |
40g |
25g |
15g |
25g |
15g / 25g |
15g / 25g |
15g / 25g |
15g / 25g |
25g |
25g |
Bottle size |
60cc |
30cc |
30cc |
30cc |
15cc / 30cc |
15cc/15cc |
15cc/30cc |
15cc/30cc |
30cc |
30cc |
Thinner-Extender |
Water |
Water |
Isopropanol |
Acetone |
MEK |
Acetone |
Acetone |
Water |
Acetone |
Acetone |
Shelf life @ 20°C |
> 3 year |
> 3 year |
> 1 year |
> 3 year |
> 3 year |
> 3 year |
> 3 year |
> 3 year |
> 2 year |
> 3 year |
SDS (click links to view) | C30 | C32 | C33 | C38 | AG15 | AG42 | AG44 | AG46 | AC29 | NI41 |
Specifications of the EM-Tec silver filled conductive epoxies
Epoxy type |
EM-Tec AG 30 |
EM-Tec AG 31 |
EM-Tec AG 32 |
Product # |
15-002430 |
15-002431 |
15-002432 |
Pot life |
4 hrs |
10 minutes |
4 hrs |
Electrical conductivity |
0.0007 ohm.cm |
0.0174 ohm.cm |
0.006 ohm.cm |
Thermal conductivity @ 25°C |
1.748 W/(m.K) |
0.903 W/(m.K) |
0.850 W/(m.K) |
Hardness Shore |
73D |
75D |
73D |
Density |
2.82 |
2.44 |
2.19 g/cm3 |
Outgassing (curing) |
0.03% |
0.16% |
0.04% |
Vacuum compatibility |
Good |
Less |
Good |
Compression strength |
35.9 MPa |
13 Mpa |
64.6 MPa |
Tensile strength |
8.9 MPa |
6.28 Mpa |
13.5 MPa |
Cure time @ 22°C |
96 hrs |
24 hours |
96 hours |
Minimum temperature |
-40°C |
-55°C |
-40°C |
Maximum temperature |
+150°C |
+150°C |
+150°C |
Weight (in 2 syringes) |
21g |
14g |
15g |
Mixing ratio |
1:1 by volume |
1:1 by volume |
1:1 by volume |
Shelf life @ 20°C |
> 2 years |
> 2 years |
> 2 years |
SDS | SDS | SDS |
Specifications of EM-Tec AG20 conductive silver pen
Material |
Silver filled polymer |
System | Single component, solvent |
Silver particle size | 10-15µm |
Fill | 8.5 grams |
Conductivity | 0.2-0.5 ohms/square/25µm |
Max. temperature | 205°C (400°F) |
Tack-free time @25°C | 3-5 minutes |
Cure time @ 25°C | 20-30 minutes |
Cure time @ 125°C | 5 minutes |
Pen tip | 0.8mm |
Trace width | 1.0 – 1.6mm |
SDS |
Carbon and Graphene/Carbon paint
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EM-Tec C30 is a premium quality, water based conductive carbon paint with finely dispersed graphite flakes (~3μm). EM-Tec C30 carbon paint does not contain any hydrocarbon-based solvents and is fully compatible with high vacuum systems and even UHV systems when dry. Due to its low viscosity cracks and small gaps are easily filled and has good conductivity when dry. EM-Tec C30 is Ideal for mounting SEM specimens and making grounding paths. Removal after us is easy due to its low mechanical strength. |
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EM-Tec C30 water based conductive carbon paint, 40g bottle. This is a premium, water based conductive carbon paint with fine dispersed graphite flakes (~3μm). EM-Tec C30 carbon paint does not contain any hydro-carbon based solvents and is fully compatible with high vacuum (HV) systems and even UHV systems when dry. Due to its low viscosity, cracks and small gaps are easily filled. EM-Tec C30 shows good conductivity when dry. Ideal for mounting SEM specimens and making grounding paths. Samples can be easily removed afterwards due to its low mechanical strength. |
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EM-Tec C32 is a novel, water based conductive graphene paint with fine dispersed graphene sheets (~1-5μm). EM-Tec C32 graphene carbon paint is free off any hydro-carbon based solvents and is fully compatible with high vacuum (HV) systems and even UHV systems when dry. Due to its low viscosity, cracks and small gaps are easily filled. EM-Tec C32 shows high conductivity when dry. Ideal for mounting SEM specimens and making grounding paths. Samples can be easily removed afterwards due to its low mechanical strength. |
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EM-Tec C33 fast drying conductive carbon paint, 15g bottle. This is an extremely fast drying thin carbon paint (similar to aerosol sprays). Designed to cover large areas quickly with a thin conductive layer. Ideal for making grounding paths and for covering parts of non-conductive epoxy mounts. Due to its low viscosity it easily fills cracks and narrow gaps. EM-Tec C33 is one of the fastest drying carbon paint on the market. Samples can be removed relatively easily due to its low bonding strength. Dries very quickly; less suitable for flexible surfaces. |
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EM-Tec C38 strong conductive carbon paint, 25g bottle. This is a strong conductive carbon paint based on fine carbon black flakes with an acrylic binder. EM-Tec C38 exhibits excellent bonding properties on a large variety of materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, epoxies, rubber, glass, wood and textiles. Ideally suited for making grounding paths and to bond SEM specimens on stubs. The tough acrylic binder reduces material loss; can be used to make permanent bonds. It has the consistency of a thin paste. |
Solvent for carbon paint
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Silver paint
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EM-Tec AG15 is a conductive silver paint based on very fine silver flakes with a thermoplastic resin binder with MEK / acetone as diluent. EM-Tec AG15 is fully comparable to EDAG 1415M and DAG 915 from Acheson / Henkel. Applications are making grounding paths and conductive glue for SEM samples, electronic and shielding applications. Achieves good bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, rubber, epoxies and textiles. The low viscosity silver paint is ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM samples on sample stubs. |
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EM-Tec AG15 is a conductive silver paint based on very fine silver flakes with a thermoplastic resin binder with MEK / acetone as diluent. EM-Tec AG15 is fully comparable to EDAG 1415M and DAG 915 from Acheson / Henkel. Applications are making grounding paths and conductive glue for SEM samples, electronic and shielding applications. Achieves good bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, rubber, epoxies and textiles. |
Solvent for silver paint
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Silver paints
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EM-Tec AG42 strong and highly conductive silver cement, 15g. This is a strong conductive silver cement based on fine silver flakes with an acrylic binder. Achieves excellent bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, rubber, epoxies and textiles. The tough acrylic binder reduces material loss where as the silver flakes ensure excellent conductivity. Use when highest conductivity is needed. Ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM specimens on stubs. This silver cement has the consistency of a paste. |
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EM-Tec AG42 strong and highly conductive silver cement, 25g. This is a strong conductive silver cement based on fine silver flakes with an acrylic binder. Achieves excellent bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, rubber, epoxies and textiles. The tough acrylic binder reduces material loss where as the silver flakes ensure excellent conductivity. Use when highest conductivity is needed. Ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM specimens on stubs. This silver cement has the consistency of a paste. |
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EM-Tec AG44 is a strong conductive silver paint based on fine silver flakes (10-1um size) with a low VOC acrylic binder. Achieves excellent bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, rubber, epoxies and textiles. The tough, low VOC, acrylic binder reduces material loss whereas the silver flakes (10-1um) ensure excellent conductivity. Use when highest conductivity is needed. Ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM samples on sample stubs. Samples can be easily removed. |
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EM-Tec AG46 is a conductive silver paint based on fine silver flakes (10-1um size) with a water based urethane binder. It does not contain VOC, is solvent-free and is non-flammable. Achieves excellent bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, paper and paints. Safe to use on even the most delicate plastics. The water-based urethane binder reduces material loss whereas the silver flakes ensure excellent conductivity. Ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM samples on sample stubs. Samples can be easily removed. |
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EM-Tec AG46 is a conductive silver paint based on fine silver flakes (10-1um size) with a water based urethane binder. It does not contain VOC, is solvent-free and is non-flammable. Achieves excellent bonding properties on a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, wood, paper and paints. Safe to use on even the most delicate plastics. The water-based urethane binder reduces material loss whereas the silver flakes ensure excellent conductivity. Ideal for making grounding tracks and to bond SEM samples on sample stubs. Samples can be easily removed. |
Silver with copper paint
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EM-Tec AC29 is a conductive paint with silver coated copper flakes. It is an acrylic based thin paint with good bonding properties, good conductivity and affordable pricing. Conductivity is comparable to silver paints. Ideal for making grounding paths and coating non-conductive surfaces; it can be used for permanent bonding of SEM samples to sample stubs. It has the consistency of a thin paint. EM-Tec AC29 dries relatively quickly, depending on thickness; drying goes quicker with moderate heat up to 65°C. |
Nickel paint
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EM-Tec NI41 strong and good conductive nickel cement, 25g. This conductive glue with nickel is an excellent alternative when silver or carbon cement are not required. It is a strong acrylic based glue with excellent bonding properties, good conductivity and affordable pricing. Same tough acrylic binder used for the carbon and silver cement. Conductivity is between silver and carbon conductive cements. Can be used for permanent bonding of SEM specimens to stubs. It has the consistency of a paste. |
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SDS for solvents above
SDS EM-Tec STC33 EM-Tec STC15 EM-Tec STC39
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EM-Tec AG30 conductive silver filled epoxy, 21g. This conductive silver filled epoxy combines excellent conductivity, good thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, long pot life and relatively low curing temperature. Excellent choice for high end applications where excellent conductivity is needed. The low curing temperature of 65°C provides compatibility with temperature sensitive materials or devices. Easy mixing ratio of 1:1 by volume |
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EM-Tec AG31 conductive silver filled epoxy, 14g. This is a fast setting silver filled epoxy and ideal when time is the limiting factor. Gives 10 minutes working window and cures in 15 minutes at the relatively low curing temperature of 65°C. Conductive and mechanical properties will be sufficient for most for non-critical applications. EM-Tec AG31 represents the most economical silver filled epoxy. It should not be used for applications where shrinkage is a limiting factor. |
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EM-Tec AG32 high conductive silver filled epoxy, 15g. This conductive silver filled epoxy is an all-round long pot life type epoxy for applications where extreme conductivity and/or highest thermal conductivity are not needed. It is the strongets of the three epoxies and should be used where mechanical strength is needed. Best conductive epoxy for cross sectioning. |
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EM-Tec AG20 conductive silver pen with 0.8mm microtip. This conductive silver pen enables writing conductive tracks, traces and lines on non-conductive materials. Ideal for making conductive paths for SEM specimens, repairing defective tracks on circuits or for prototyping. The ink in the silver pen is a silver filled polymer which exhibits excellent adhesion properties on most materials. The silver traces dry fast and high conductivity is achieved when the ink is cured. The silver traces can be used on flexible substrates. |