TUBALL™ nanotubes provide stable anti-static performance to elastomer compounds made of silicone, rubber and PU while retaining mechanical properties and minimally impacting the host matrix.
TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are applied via the easy-to-use additive TUBALL™ MATRIX, which is a line of concentrates based on polymer and plasticizer carriers and pre-dispersed TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes.
In contrast to other conductive agents, TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are a versatile conductive agent offering good performance on all key parameters.
Technical and commercial benefits in silicone compounds
Parameter |
Carbon black |
MWCNT |
|
Working dosage |
10 wt.% |
1–3 wt.% |
1–2 wt.% |
Resistance requirements (Volume Resistivity) |
105–107 Ω•сm |
||
Resistance result |
106–109 Ω•сm |
105–107 Ω•сm |
105–107 Ω•сm |
Black dots on surface |
only black available |
only black available |
none |
Available color range |
none |
none |
wide |
Resistance remains stable after abrasion on surface |
no |
yes |
yes |
Influence on mechanical performance |
strong negative |
strong negative |
none |
Influence to rheology |
strong negative* |
strong negative* |
none |
Dust formation during production |
yes |
yes/none |
none |
‘Hot spots’ |
yes |
possible |
none |
Stable resistance over time |
no |
yes |
yes |
Longer life cycle of compound and molded parts |
no |
no |
yes |
Carbon release on surface |
yes |
none |
none |
Cost of anti-static property |
comparable |
comparable |
comparable |
* Formulation design required (adjustment of curing system)
The wide range of color options makes it possible to provide various parts to the market where anti-static properties are required.
Silicones
Volume resistivity of 103–105 Ω•cm. TUBALL™ loading 0.2–0.05%
Polyurethanes
OCSiAl internal PU formulation. ASTM D257
TUBALL™ nanotubes, in contrast to traditional conductive agents, minimize the impact on compound elasticity and tensile parameters, viscosity and rheological properties.
Test results in various formulations: Mechanical properties
The extra-low dosage of TUBALL™ required in silica-based EPDM and NBR formulations allow the desired anti-static properties as well as improvements in tear strength and tensile performance to be achieved without degradation of elastic properties and hardness.
EPDM
NBR
PU
If it is necessary to use materials under conditions of deformation, it is important to maintain stable resistivity. Using TUBALL™ MATRIX, the resistivity is maintained within the target value after dynamic loads.
High dynamic pressure applications – anti-static LSR with 1 wt.% of TUBALL™ MATRIX 601
When using carbon black, due to its high concentration (10% and more) and because of the spherical shape of the particles, a phenomenon is known in the industry as “carbon release” takes place, when the conductive additive is present on the surface of the sample.
In contrast, graphene nanotubes, owing to their greater length-to-diameter ratio, are not released to the surface.
TUBALL™ MATRIX has to be processed with standard equipment broadly used by rubber roller manufacturers.
Conductive colored HCR: Processing guidelines for TUBALL™ MATRIX 605
Anti-static colored EPDM rubbers - Processing guidelines
Conductive Silicones - LSR, RTV, HCR and PSA
Conductive elastomers: Prevent negative trade-offs in mechanical properties and color due to SWCNT
Contact us to discuss your project specifications or to request a TUBALL™ MATRIX sample