New Thermoplastic Conductive Polymer introduced by RTP Co.

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RTP Co. has commericialised thermoplastic compounds containing inherently conductive polymers. These compounds achieve electrical conductivity in the range of 10⁵-10¹⁰ ohms/sq mm. without siginificantly affecting properties of basic polymer matrix used to make compounds. The conventional conductive compounds are essentially based on carbon black or carbon fibers or metal particles. The surface resistivity of such conventional compounds are strongly influenced by relative humidity and ageing. The new thermoplastic conductive polymer help in eliminating the influence of such variables. First compounds available in black, blue, green and purple are based on polyolefin matrix along with the new conductive polymers. These compounds are designed for injection moulding, film, sheet and profiles and have found commericial approval in Europe and are being commericaliced in North America. RTP plans to introduce styrenic based componds in the second phase.
RTP Co. has also introduced Nanotube compounds that have conductivity of 10⁴-10⁹ ohms/sq mm. These compounds contain hollow carbon nanotubes which are very small compared to carbon fibers. Nanotube compounds are developed for clean room applicaions as well as automotive fuel system components which need static discharge protection.

(Source: Modern Plastics International, October 2000)