TUBALL™ nanotubes provide superior electrical conductivity 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	Highly conductive carbon black	Metallic (paste form)	MWCNTs	TUBALL™ MATRIX
Working dosage	8 wt.%	30 wt.%	5–10 wt.%	4 wt.%
Resistance requirements (volume Resistivity)	<50 Ω·сm
Resistance achieved (volume Resistivity)	10–10²Ω·сm (not consistent from batch to batch)	<30 Ω·сm	<100 Ω·сm	<50 Ω·сm
Influence on mechanical performance	strong negative	strong negative	strong negative	none
Influence on viscosity and extrusion rate	strong negative	negative	strong negative	acceptable
Influence on rheology	strong negative	negative	strong negative	none
Dust formation during production	yes	yes	yes (but none in the case of a masterbatch)	none
Complicated processing (separate production unit, additional compounding stages)	yes	no	yes	no
“Hot spots” (resistance varies)	yes	none	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

Key benefit 1: Stability of conductive properties

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 - conductive LSR with 2.5 wt.% of TUBALL™ MATRIX 601

Conductive HCR: TUBALL™ vs carbon black

Key benefits 2: Maintained mechanical properties

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

Physical properties of conductive LSR with 4 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.