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has developed a line of carbon nanotube (CNT) concentrates that improve tensile strength and stiffness by 20-100% while maintaining impact strength.

The masterbatches contain 15% CNTs by weight. They can be let down in the associated carrier materials with loadings of 2-7% by weight in the final compound. Results, including improvements in electrical resistance, impact strength, stiffness and strength, vary by polymer and loading.

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Properties from varying amounts of carbon nanotubes in polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Source: Insight Polymers & Compounding

“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,” says Matt Torosian, Insight Polymers sales and market development manager. The company will add polymers to its concentrate portfolio by the end of second quarter 2025.

“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,” says A.J. Pasquale, Insight Polymers director of operations. “Their light weight and lower loadings translate to a lighter, stronger end products.”

According to the company, CNT masterbatches offer excellent conductivity at low loadings with consistent electrical properties, improved physical properties, easy processing and high cleanliness.

Properties for varying compounds of carbon nanotube with polypropylene. Source: Insight Polymers & Compounding

The masterbatches are well 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, automotive drones and additive manufacturing 3D printing materials.