Page 38 - Plastics News December 2022

FEATURE

ESD Protection in Harsh Environments: Graphene Nanotubes Expand
Textiles’ Functionality

fabric to be used in high-level protec-
tive suits, combining exceptional pro-
tection from chemicals with electro-
static discharge protection.
Another example is how graphene na-
notube technology is being acknowl-
edged as a replacement for metal yarns
in fireproof and anti-static textiles,
protecting against sparks, splashes of
molten metal, high temperatures, and
the risk of sudden electrostatic dis-
charge. While metal yarns require a
specific knitting process and storage
conditions, incorporating nanotubes
in a fabric does not require any chang-

• Polymer-coated chemical-resist- industries that are subject to safety es in the manufacturing process as the
ant fabrics and fireproof special regulations. water-based dispersion is introduced
textiles with expanded electro- In applications where multifunction- into the fabric at the fluoro-organic
static discharge (ESD) safety ality of textile is required, graphene treatment stage. The fabric with OC-
function have been developed. nanotubes overcome the limitations SiAl’s graphene nanotubes has been
• Graphene nanotubes used as an of other conductive materials such as proven to maintain the pre-set level
of ESD protection (surface resistance
electrostatic dissipative material unstable anti-static properties; deg- of 10^7 Ω) after numerous washes.
make it possible to add ESD pro- radation of strength, or chemical or
tection without compromising fire resistance; complicated manufac- Permanent and stable electrical con-
resistance to aggressive environ- turing processes; dusty production; ductivity, facilitated by graphene
ments. carbon contamination on the mate- nanotubes, is not only a matter of
• Efficient working loadings start- rial’s surface; or limited color options. safety but brings additional value in
augmenting dust-repellent proper-
ing from 0.06% are sufficient for Recent developments show that gra- ties and touchscreen compatibility for
stable anti-static properties fully phene nanotubes provide ESD pro- comfort and time savings. At the same
compliant with safety standards tection to textiles in full compliance time, the ultralow nanotube concen-
and position graphene nanotubes with safety standards and without trations result in maintained manu-
far ahead of other conductive degrading the textile’s resistance to facturing processes and mechanical
materials. harsh environments, greatly enhanc-
ing the value of textiles. properties, and improve product aes-
Protective clothing, upholstery, and thetics by making it possible to use
industrial fabrics that experience One such example is textiles coated a wide range of colors. Altogether,
harsh conditions require advanced with fluoroelastomer (a polymer that these benefits allow manufacturers to
performance. Depending on the fi- is highly resistant to chemicals) aug- create next-generation special textiles
nal application, specialty textiles can mented with graphene nanotubes with expanded functionality.
be augmented with flame retardancy, from OCSiAl. Nanotubes provide
durability, chemical protection, and the material with surface resistivity
other properties. Additionally, ESD of 10^6–10^8 Ω/sq compliant with
protection is obligatory in the chemi- EN, ISO, and ATEX standards for per-
cal, rescue, mining, oil & gas, automo- sonal protective equipment. This new
tive manufacturing, and many other technology opens the door for the

38 PLASTICS NEWS December 2022