Nanotubes for Conductive Plastics Move to the Next Performance Level

Multiwall carbon nanotubes are an extremely small conductive additive for plastics. They are about 10 nanometers in diameter and 10 or more microns long. Their high aspect ratio (1000:1) allows equivalent conductivity at lower loading compared to carbon black, chopped carbon fiber or stainless steel fiber. The advantage of a lower additive loading is a greater retention of the inherent ductility of the resin. Additionally, the small size of the nanotubes, coupled with the low loading, results in a much smoother molded part surfaces than when larger additives are used.

In this paper, we will present comparative data of physical properties, surface smoothness, moldability and electrical conductivity for compounds containing different conductive additives. Finally, existing and evolving commercial applications will be reviewed.