ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE | MATERIALS
Protective plastics in electrical settings
New additives and masterbatches have been launched to meet the growing need for electrical conductivity in thermoplastic compound applications. Jennifer Markarian reports
With the continuing electrification of transportation, manufacturing, and other areas, the need for electrically conductive thermoplastics is more important than ever. Additives are crucial for making thermoplastics fit-for-purpose in antistatic and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection applications as well as conductive grades for metal replacement. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for electronics and sensors, such as those used in electric vehicles, is also a key property. A wide range of additives are used to create conductivity, from conductive carbon black to carbon nanotubes and graphene. Proper dispersion is crucial for conductivity, and either masterbatches or fully formulated compounds are typically used to achieve the needed dispersion. “The demand for conductive thermoplastic compounds is expanding across several industries, with notable growth in the packaging as well as cable industry,” said Alexandra Megally, Marketing, Strategy and Sustainability Manager, at Cabot. “These sectors are driven by the increasing need for safer transport, handling, and storage of materials, as well as evolving trends in renewable energy distribution and digital transformation. Key
www.compoundingworld.com
requirements in these areas emphasise protection from electrostatic discharges, compliance with tightening safety regulations, and ensuring reliability in critical applications.” Protecting components from electrostatic
discharge is increasingly important, said Megally. “As global trends drive the miniaturisation of electronics, the need to protect components from unintended ESD has become increasingly critical. ESD can cause damage or hidden failures in electronic components, especially during production and transportation.” Cabot’s Cabelec compounds and concentrates
are used for ESD protection in areas such as electronic carrier trays, crates and boxes. Several new compounds were launched in 2024, including Cabelec CA6830 conductive compound for industrial film applications and Cabelec XS6816A conductive TPU compound, which is a lightweight solution for electronic packaging offering durable ESD protection, consistent conductivity, and superior abrasion resistance for high-wear applications. In the foam segment, Cabelec XS6851A (PP-based) and Cabelec XS6845A (PE-based) conductive concentrates enable
January/February 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 27
Main image: Electrification is a growing trend in
manufacturing, transportation and other areas
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
