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Plastics and chemicals supplier Arkema has developed news channels for it to get its Graphistrength-brand multiwall carbon nanotubes into the hands of processors, including a masterbatch, CNTs specifically for elastomers, and solid concentrates for liquid epoxy and aqueous solutions.

MPW Staff

February 26, 2010

1 Min Read
Nanotube-filled 'universal' masterbatches for many thermoplastics; soon for polyolefins, too

The supplier claims its new masterbatch, Graphistrength CM12-30, is the only CNT-filled masterbatch commercially available with 30% CNT content and suitable for a wide range of thermoplastic matrices: polyamides (6, 6.6, 12), polyesters (PET, PBT), and polycarbonate or polyacetals.

This new masterbatch can be fully diluted within the thermoplastic matrix, allowing homogeneous dispersion of the CNTs. The CNT filler helps produce compounds with, for instance, electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties for low CNT concentrations in the finished material. Arkema reports it also soon will market a grade of this masterbatch for use when processing polyolefins, which may see use for the sheathing of cables or the coating of components for electronics applications requiring ESD properties.

The supplier also has developed new masterbatches, branded as Graphistrength CE1-20, CE2-40 and CE3-35, containing up to 40% CNTs, with these specifically for elastomer matrices, respectively fluoroelastomer, nitrile, and silicone. These products are used to prepare materials that combine ESD properties with mechanical strength for low CNT concentrations, such as elongation at break. An example application would be joints with ESD properties, such as those found in automotive and aerospace applications.

Last September the company announced it was building a CNT pilot plant at its Mont site in the southwest of France. This 400-ton/yr facility is scheduled to start up in early 2011, and Arkema says it will be the only CNT production plant in the world to use a fully bio-sourced raw material. —[email protected]

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