XWS Multiwall Carbon Nanotube

Carbon nanotubesⁱ are high aspect ratio polymers of pure carbon in which the atoms are bonded together in cylindrical form. XWS Grade, multi wall carbon nanotube with less than ten walls in average, is designed to impart electrostatic discharge (ESD) electrical conductivity to polymer compounds, using traditional melt processing equipment.

Representative Performance

Benefits

ESD levels of conductivity at 1% loading in polar polymers, ESD conductivity at higher loading levels in other systems
Typically 5-100x lower loadings than other conductive additives (carbon black, carbon fibers including fibrils and vapor grown carbon fibers, metal particles, etc.)
Can be dispersed using standard melt blending equipment
More uniform composite than other conductive additives
Less sloughing than other conductive additives
Low loading levels have minimal effect on matrix polymer properties or processability

Representative Properties¹

Color	Black
Morphology	Powder
Bulk Density	< 0.2 g/cm³
TGA Residual	< 5 wt%
Moisture Content	< 3 wt%

General Processing

The goal of processing is to achieve an optimal dispersion of the carbon nanotube network in the compounded material and in the final part or product. The effective diameter of these ropes should be reduced and they should be exfoliated or extended while maintaining a high degree of interconnectivity. In general, dispersion is facilitated by:

In general, dispersion is facilitated by:

Interaction with chemically similar materials such as polar systems and systems containing aromatic groups and/or hetero atoms
High shear and high energy input, including longer processing or residence times - base resin/matrix will likely degrade before carbon nanotubes
Polymer melt processing - processing techniques such as solvent-based systems or powder blending/sintering may be suitable as well

Please consult CCNI for specific discussions about your system and performance requirements.

Pricing and Availability

XWS grades are available in kg quantities for commercial applications and large scale product development. Please contact us for further information about pricing and availability.

Carbon nanotubes were melt-blended into polycarbonate at loading levels as low as 0.3%. Bulk conductivity was measured using a 4-point probe.