How to improve electrical conductivity?
Last update on Jan 15, 2026
Metals have long been favored for many applications due to their conductive properties. However, engineered plastics have advanced significantly, offering materials that can be lighter, tougher, and capable of conducting electricity. These conductive plastics are enhanced with additives to achieve the desired level of electrical conductivity.
Applications of conductive plastics
Plastics are excellent choice in the following applications where the weight and brittleness of metals are a problem:
| Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection | Conductive packaging materials or components in electronic devices |
| EMI Shielding | Enclosures or gaskets to shield electronic devices from electromagnetic interference |
| Touchscreens and Sensors | Construction of touchscreens or other touch-sensitive surfaces |
| Anti-static Applications | Flooring or furniture to prevent dust accumulation due to static electricity |
Surface resistivity and conductivity
Since most plastics are insulators, they have low conductivity and high surface resistivity. This means they generally don't conduct electricity well, and their surfaces resist the flow of charges.
- Higher conductivity = Lower Surface Resistivity: If a plastic has a higher intrinsic conductivity (more mobile charges), its surface will offer less resistance to current flow, resulting in a lower surface resistivity.
Lower conductivity = Higher Surface Resistivity: Conversely, a plastic with low conductivity (fewer mobile charges) will have a more resistant surface, leading to a higher surface resistivity.
Credits: RTP Company2