Galvanic Compatibility Guide for EMI Gaskets
Conductive elastomer galvanic compatibility is an important consideration when selecting EMI shielding and environmental sealing solutions for electronic applications. Proper material selection helps minimize galvanic corrosion while maintaining reliable EMI shielding effectiveness and environmental protection.
Leader Tech’s Conductive Elastomer Galvanic Compatibility Guide helps engineers identify compatible gasket materials for use with different chassis metals and shielding environments.
What Is Galvanic Compatibility?
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar conductive materials come into direct contact in the presence of moisture or other environmental conditions. This electrochemical reaction can damage shielding materials, reduce gasket performance, and shorten the lifespan of electronic assemblies.
Additionally, conductive elastomers behave differently from solid metals because they contain conductive fillers, flexible elastomer compounds, and specialized corrosion inhibitors. Therefore, selecting compatible material combinations is critical for long-term EMI shielding reliability.
How to Use the Compatibility Chart
The chart below provides a guide for selecting the least corrosive galvanic couple between your metal chassis and the conductive elastomer.
Simply find your chassis material in the first column and follow the line to the right to determine what conductive elastomer is best for your application.
