FIBRIL Nanotube-Based Masterbatches

As-made nanotubes intertwine into agglomerates that are difficult to disperse. In order to insure consistent, high quality performance, Hyperion performs the initial dispersion of the nanotubes into a wide range of polymers. In addition to ready-to-use compounds, Hyperion offers a series of masterbatches (concentrates) of nanotubes dispersed into polymers. These masterbatches are typically of 15 to 20% concentration by weight and must be diluted to the final concentration.

It is important that the masterbatch dilution (letdown) be done carefully and thoroughly. A poor letdown gives a non-homogeneous mixture of the high viscosity masterbatch resin mixed with the lower viscosity let-down resin. This two-phase mixture can be visualized as small islands of masterbatch in the larger sea of the letdown resin. These small islands of masterbatch will act as a macro-sized, spherical conductive additive instead of the nano-sized, high aspect ratio nanotubes. The sample will perform as if the nanotubes were poorly dispersed, when, in fact, the dispersion is good, but the mixing is the issue. The following paper gives guidelines for equipment and conditions to let down our masterbatches, please read carefully and call us if you have any questions.