MATERIALS | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE


IMAGE: NEOGRAF


Above: Graf-X graphene nanoplatelets from NeoGraf provide electrical conductivity for applications requiring low loadings


other properties, the company says. Compared to traditional carbon black, the new,


dry-processed graphene significantly improves processability in thermoplastics, which allows for faster production throughput while maintaining excellent electrical properties, particularly at high loadings, over 15% by weight, the company reports. These properties make the additive useful for high-throughput applications, such as packaging for static dissipation. The new graphene also has lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional carbon blacks. Graphene producer Versarien is developing the


Polygrene-E family of electrically conductive compounds that can be tuned for static dissipative or EMI shielding properties. These compounds have higher loadings to achieve percolation. Because graphene is not abrasive, higher levels can be used without damaging equipment. Versarien is also experimenting with combinations of fillers, including combinations of graphene with magnetic particles. The company continues to seek collaborative partners to develop graphene compounds and masterbatches. Graf-X graphene nanoplatelets from NeoGraf


provide electrical conductivity for applications requiring low loadings. “These materials, consisting of 10-100s [of] graphene layers, achieve percolation thresholds at just 1-10 wt% loading, depending on the polymer and processing method,” said R&D Director John Swanson. He notes that the processing method is crucial in dispersing and aligning fillers and that the process should be controlled to avoid damage to the graphite flake structure (ie, reducing the aspect ratio), which can reduce conductivity. “In addition to pure graphite, our customers are


increasingly exploring hybrid approaches, combining graphite with other additives, such as


36 COMPOUNDING WORLD | January/February 2025


carbon black, to boost electrical conductivity while minimising total additive loading synergistically,” said Swanson. “Another emerging trend involves functionalising graphite with surface modifications to enhance compatibility with polymer systems. However, over-functionalisation must be managed carefully to avoid insulating effects that counteract the desired conductivity improvements. At NeoGraf, we work closely with customers to customise particle sizing, purity, and surface properties, ensuring optimal performance for their specific applications.” Technical compounder Eurotec produces permanent conductive compounds using a wide range of polymers, additives and reinforcements to develop grades with a wide range of properties such as colorable, metal detectable or flame retardant. Eurotec provides compounds from anti-static to EMI/RF shielding level. Dissipation of accumulated electrostatic charges is very critical for safe transportation of electronic equipment, for which the company produces Tecolen CP20 BK EC 0C, a PPCP conductive compound, which has static dissipative characteristics suited for ESD crates for electronic devices. Eurotec says that EV sensor housing materials should have a good mechanical stiffness, creep and fatigue resistance, dimensional stability and EMI/RF shielding properties to avoid any safety issue. Developed using its know-how in electrically conductive plastics, Eurotec’s electrically conductive and structural materials are especially suited to sensor components. It says Tecomid NB30 GR20 BK EF PA6 (a 20% glass fibre-reinforced, electrically conductive, black compound) has satisfied conductivity and mechanical property requirements and is currently used for brackets and housings of electronic sensors by a well-known OEM in order to prevent failure during driving.


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � www.cabotcorp.com � www.premixgroup.com � www.cargill.com � https://orioncarbons.com � https://bioregiontech.com � https://nagaseamerica.com � https://deltatecnic.com � https://insightpolymers.com � https://nemonano.com � www.trimtabs.co � https://nanoxplore.ca � www.versarien.com � www.neograf.com � www.eurotec-ep.com


www.compoundingworld.com


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