Page 47 - Plastics News February 2023

economy and reducing carbon foot- ing flexibility. Following market and sity, corrosion and chemical resist-
print relative to fossil feedstock resin customer demand for more sustain- ance, and mechanical performance,
alternatives. able solutions, the new recycled and can be customized depending on ap-
“Gravi-Tech Density Modified For- bio-based formulations offer the same plication needs.
mulations were originally developed performance benefits while support- Gravi-Tech REC Recycled Formula-
to provide an effective alternative to ing the circular economy and helping tions and Gravi-Tech BIO Bio-based
lead and other traditional metals,” customers to work towards their sus- Formulations are currently manufac-
said Matt Mitchell, director of global tainability goals.” tured in Europe and are commercially
marketing, Specialty Engineered Ma- Similar to prime density modified available globally.
terials at Avient. “Formulated us- grades, these new materials can be
ing engineered thermoplastic resins extruded, molded, calendered, or
and select metallic fillers, they offer thermoformed into complex designs
densities similar to traditional metals without expensive tooling. Perfor-
while providing design and process- mance characteristics, including den-

TPU Hoses Enhanced with Graphene Nanotubes
results in detrimental effects on the
mechanical properties of the final
product, including reduced flexibility.
“Replacement of a standard com-
pound with TPU modified with gra-
phene nanotubes results in stable, ho-
mogeneous conductivity of the final
hoses, without compromising their
strength or flexibility. By adding only
0.4-0.5 wt% of graphene nanotubes,
our client was able to obtain thermo-
plastic polyurethane with resistance
of the order of 106 ohm/sq, allowing
the hoses to meet the typical require-
ments of industrial norms related to
hermoplastic polyurethane hoses erating conditions, when dry bulk ma- electrostatic risks. Additionally, gra-
Tenhanced with graphene nano- terials are conveyed by compressed phene nanotubes’ low working dos-
tubes demonstrate a combination of air through a nonconductive hose, ages make it possible to maintain the
electrical conductivity, high flexibility, there is a risk of the accumulation of abrasion and chemical resistance,
and good abrasion resistance. electrical charge due to friction. This flexibility, and non-marking proper-
can lead to sparks, resulting in damage
Cost-efficient, durable hoses are al- ties of TPU,” said Dr. Christian Maus,
ready used in the flour-milling, phar- to electronic components, or even development and support leader for
maceutical, and wood processing in- fire or explosion. To prevent static thermoplastics, OCSiAl Group.
dustries. electricity buildup and arc discharge,
conductive material enhanced with The nanotube-modified hoses per-
Stable, permanent anti-static proper- metal wire is used as the key compo- fectly meet the demands of heavy-
ties combined with high performance nent for the manufacture of this type duty operating applications, which
allow hoses to meet strict industrial of conveying hose. Use of traditional frequently require a combination of
requirements. conductive agents like carbon black ESD protection and high abrasion re-
In various industries with special op- requires high concentrations, which sistance and durability.

PLASTICS NEWS 49
February 2023