TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes, also known as single wall carbon nanotubes, provide permanent electrical conductivity to gelcoats, while preserving light colors and allowing application via spraying.

TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are applied via easy-to-use TUBALL™ MATRIX, which is a line of anti-static masterbatches based on polymer carriers and pre-dispersed TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes.

For polyester and vinyl-ester resins, TUBALL™ MATRIX 204 should be used.

Target system	Polyester, vinyl-ester systems
Additive carrier	Plasticizer + stabilizing agent
	Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate + ammonium salt of polyolefin-based derivatives
Product

TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are a versatile conductive agent offering strong performance on all key parameters

Note: this diagram provides average trends compared with other additives, based on OCSiAl data. Product performance may vary depending on product type and formulation.

Full range of electrical resistivity

OCSiAl internal formulation ASTM D257

Easy to apply

TUBALL™ MATRIX can be processed with standard equipment that is widely used in the coatings industry.

Other benefits provided by TUBALL™ nanotubes for anti-static gelcoats:

• Limited impact on viscosity
• Low dosage gives greater flexibility in the final formulation
• Easy to apply and the low dosage makes the logistics less complex and more efficient

TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes are applied via easy-to-use TUBALL™ MATRIX, which is a line of ESD additives based on polymer carriers and pre-dispersed TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes.

The difference between conductive and non-conductive gelcoats

Most fiberglass molds have non-conductive tooling gelcoats that accumulate static electricity, resulting in safety risks and difficulties in handling.

A new generation of conductive tooling gelcoats offers the advantage of maintaining the performance of the standard gelcoat while making molds safer and easier to use by reducing factors such as dust attraction, possibility of electric shocks to workers, and issues with de-molding. Today, a growing number of composite manufacturers prefer to choose conductive tooling gelcoats over traditional ones.

Traditional non-conductive tooling gelcoats have a high level of resistivity of more than 10¹³ Ω/sq, while conductive tooling gelcoats have a resistivity of lower than 10⁹ Ω/sq. However, they are alike in terms of mechanical performance, the range of colors available and possible application technology (for example via spraying).

Moreover, conductive tooling gelcoats demonstrate a number of benefits for composite parts manufacturers, such as less dust accumulation on the mold surface and a simpler cleaning process. This leads to better surface quality, less wastage and higher gloss of the final products.

The main benefit of a conductive gelcoat over standard gelcoats is its ability to minimize static electricity accumulation during the de-molding procedure, resulting in higher efficiency thanks to less force required and shorter production cycles. Grounded fiberglass molds with conductive gelcoats minimize the chances of workers receiving electric shocks and the risk of explosions or fires.

The most common conductive agents available on the market are carbon black and ammonium salts. However, they demonstrate a number of shortcomings – for example, carbon black virtually blocks spray application, and ammonium salts do not provide the required permanent conductivity. In contrast, graphene nanotubes are a much more versatile conductive agent offering good performance on all key parameters.