Global thermoplastics compounder announces product line expansion

Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder, RTP Company is expanding its line of conductive compounds to include the new CCX Conductive Masterbatches.

The addition of these CCX Conductive Masterbatches will aim to set a new standard for safe, productive, and reliable solutions for environments that are prone to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

CCX Conductive Masterbatches are now available in various different resin systems, and can be formulated with four distinct additive technologies: Stainless steel fibre, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and PermaStat dissipative polymer technology.

Stainless steel fibre

The stainless steel fibre CCX Masterbatches are created using RTP Company’s long fibre manufacturing process to allow for the highest possible level of conductivity. Additionally, they provide electromagnetic interference shielding for sensitive electronics, coloured parts and components. They claim to be suitable for injection moulding, and compatible with existing moulds and tooling equipment as a result of these properties.

Carbon nanotubes

Compared to an unfilled base resin, carbon nanotube (CNT) CCX Masterbatches have no effect on shrinkage or mechanical properties. The CCX Masterbatches also claim to be suitable for high purity applications. CNTs are hollow structures consisting of graphene cylinders of carbon atoms which are capped at both ends. These CNTs can be incorporated in to a thermoplastic and provide uniform ESD protection and electrical conductivity at a low loading level.

Carbon black

However, the carbon black CCX Masterbatches do have some similarities with an unfilled base resin. For example, they have similar isotropic shrinkage, strength and stiffness. These carbon black CCX Masterbatches are also thought to be an economical way to introduce versatile, high performance conductivity for a plastic part.

PermaStat dissipative polymer technology

PermaStat CCX Masterbatches can be formulated for applications which require permanent antistatic or static dissipative performance. These masterbatches are suitable for use in the majority of resins and have processing temperatures below 520°F (270°C). These masterbatches offer uniform dissipative performance, full colourability and transparency in some cases, whilst offering the potential to retain and enhance the impact performance of the base resin. These masterbatches also claim to be compatible with injection moulding and extrusion equipment, without the need for many processing adjustments.