TUBALL™ nanotubes provide stable anti-static performance to silicone compounds 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 carriers and pre-dispersed TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes.

TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes: Good performance on all key parameters

In contrast to other conductive agents, TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are a versatile conductive agent offering good performance on all key parameters.

Parameter	Carbon black	Metallic (paste form)	MWCNT	TUBALL™ MATRIX
Working dosage	10 wt.%	10 wt.%	3 wt.%	2 wt.%
Resistance requirements (volume Resistivity)	10⁵–10⁷ Ω•сm
Resistance result (volume Resistivity)	10⁶–10⁹ Ω•сm	10⁵–10⁷ Ω•сm	10⁵–10⁷ Ω•сm	10⁵–10⁷ Ω•сm
Black dots on surface	only black available	none	only black available	none
Available color range	none	limited	none	wide
Resistance remains stable after abrasion on surface	no	yes	yes	yes
Influence on mechanical performance	strong negative	strong negative	strong negative	none
Influence to rheology	strong negative*	negative*	strong negative*	none
Dust formation during production	yes	yes	yes/none (in case of masterbatch)	none
‘Hot spots’ (resistance varies on surface)	yes	possible	possible	none
Stable resistance over time	no	yes	yes	yes
Longer life cycle of compound and molded parts	no	no	no	yes
Carbon release on surface	yes	none	none	none
Cost of anti-static property	comparable	high	comparable	comparable

* Formulation design required (adjustment of curing system).

Key benefit 1: Colored anti-static compounds

The wide range of color options makes it possible to provide various parts to the market where anti-static properties are required.

Colored anti-static silicone rubber

Volume resistivity of 10³–10⁵ Ω•cm. TUBALL™ loading 0.2–0.05%

Key benefit 2: Maintained mechanical and anti-static properties

TUBALL™ nanotubes, in contrast to traditional conductive agents, minimize the impact on compound elasticity and on tensile parameters, viscosity and rheological properties.

Mechanical properties of anti-static LSR with 4 wt.% of TUBALL™ MATRIX 601

When using carbon black, because of the high concentration required (10% or more) and the spherical shape of the particles, a phenomenon known in the industry as “carbon release” takes place, where 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.

If materials will be used under conditions of deformation, it is important that stable resistivity is maintained. With TUBALL™ MATRIX, the resistivity is maintained below the target value even after stress-strain.

High dynamic pressure applications – Anti-static LSR with 1 wt.% of TUBALL™ MATRIX 601

Key benefit 3: Standard processing and mixing equipment

TUBALL™ MATRIX can be diluted into compounds through the use of standard silicone compounding equipment (2-roll mill, kneader). Other approaches for masterbatch dilution may be used provided that their mixing efficiency is sufficient.

More information about the key parameters for masterbatch dilution and compound processing can be found in the processing guidelines.