Insight Polymers & Compounding, a provider of advanced polymer compounds, has developed a line of carbon nanotube (CNT) concentrates that improve tensile strength and stiffness by 20% to 100% while maintaining impact strength.
The company says they’ve formulated these CNT masterbatches to enhance 3D printing materials. They can be let down in the associated carrier materials with loadings of 2% to 7% by weight in the final compound. As a result, they improve electrical resistance, impact strength, stiffness, and strength, varying by polymer and loading.
“While we are initially offering the concentrates in PP, PETG, PA 6, PA 66, PA 12 and PPS, we can customize compounds with specific polymers and loadings to develop a material that meets a customer’s requirements and unmet needs,” said Matt Torosian, Insight Polymers sales and market development manager. He said the company will add polymers to its concentrate portfolio by the end of second quarter 2025.
The masterbatches are also suited for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective packaging, electronics storage bins, conductive components in electronics assemblies, and electrostatic processing in painting and coating applications. They are geared for such target vertical markets as appliances, and automotive drones.
“While CNTs have improved properties since they’ve been commercially available, our compounds exhibit the first significant measurable increase in mechanical properties of a thermoplastic compound,” said A.J. Pasquale, Insight Polymers director of operations. “Their lightweight and lower loadings translate to lighter, stronger end products.” In addition, CNT masterbatches offer excellent conductivity at low loadings with consistent electrical properties, improved physical properties, easy processing and high cleanliness.
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