Thermoplastics are excellent electrical insulators due to the absence of free moving electrons to transfer the current. However, the electrical resistivity of a thermoplastic can be reduced by adding conductive fillers or migratory anti-static additives. Electrical conductive plastics are typically used in applications which require protection for sensitive electronic equipment, static dissipative applications for safe handling and ATEX rated environments.

The demand for conductive plastics is expected to grow due to lightweighting opportunities, lower manufacturing cost and simplified processing of complex parts compared with metal. This is being driven by the EV market and the growth of minuturisation within electronics.

Hubron can provide electrically conductive thermoplastic compounds or masterbatch to meet the growing demands of
the market. Hubron have the capability to produce such grades without damaging the conductive pathway provided by
the conductive filler. This allows for lower masterbatch addition levels and improves the consistency of the customers end product. Hubron traditionally use carbon black to lower electrical resistivity of the thermoplastic but can provide solutions using other carbon based additives such as CNT, graphene and carbon fibre.

Important considerations when selecting an appropriate conductive grade are as follows:

• Resistivity Range: The resistivity requirements will vary depending upon the end application. Need to
  determine if the application falls witin the anti-static, dissipative or highly conductive range.
• Mechanical Propeties: Higher loadings of carbon black can decrease the flexbility and impact strength. Conductive carbon nanforms can significantly the impact flow and processability.
• Processing Method: The aggregate is sensitive to shear which can damage the conductive pathway.
  Injection moulding is more shear intensive than extrusion.
• Base Resin Compatibility: Conductive masterbatch typically have higher addition levels so the carrier resin
  can greatly impact the mechanical properties and processability of the formulation.