High performance polymers containing carbon nanotubes
At Entegris, we have focused the development of our TEGO™ composites to include high value polymers containing carbon nanotubes. There are a thousand compounders around the world that can put carbon powder into polypropylene. But, only a few compounders work with carbon nanotubes. Working with carbon nanotubes is difficult because the nanotube is 150,000 times smaller than a human hair. That is why Entegris has invested several years of research into developing proprietary processes that allow us to achieve excellent dispersion of carbon nanotubes into composites. To see the benefits of using cabon nanotubes over other carbon compounds, you have to get good dispersion in the polymer. We maintain excellence by staying focused on carbon nanotubes.
Carbon nanotubes offer some amazing properties:
- more electrically conductive than a copper wire
- better thermal conductivity than diamond
- higher tensile strength than steel
- a deep black color
- do not affect the shrink of the base polymer
These amazing properties are realized in the matrix of the polymer, resulting in a unique and optimized set of physical properties. Entegris takes the outstanding properties of the nanotubes and adds them to a base high-performance polymer to provide a composite of impeccable performance.
TEGO polymers are created by using high end polymers like PAEK and adding carbon nanotubes to provide the most uniform conductivity available. With a filler like carbon fiber, which is very large and thus you can never get complete coverage within the polymer, there are many HOT and COLD spots in the polymer. Carbon nanotubes are much smaller and provide more individual tubes per weight used. This is achieved through Entegris’ dispersion process development, providing very consistent electrical conductivity in a polymer.
The benefits of the small size and excellent electrical conduction of carbon nanotubes apply equally well to thermal conductivity. Carbon nanotubes enable the transfer of heat to a polymer surface where it can be dissipated into the air.
The tensile strength of the carbon nanotubes also increases strength and toughness, while having the ability to flex without breaking, unlike carbon fibers or carbon powder.
Entegris has also demonstrated that the carbon nanotubes length and flexibility that are embed deeply in a polymer result in higher abrasion resistance and lower particle shedding than traditional carbon powders or carbon fibers.
For detailed information about Entegris’ TEGO composites please contact:
Mike Zabka
Program Manager
Entegris TEGO Polymers
952-556-4059
mike_zabka@entegris.com
Download the Specialty Materials Division Warranty.