Reading Time: 2 minutes

Conductive carbon black is a popular performance additive that enhances conductivity and mechanical properties of polymers, elastomers, and rubber compounds. This blog explains why.

Materials like elastomers, adhesives, plastics, and coatings usually have low electrical conductivity properties. This can restrict their use in electronic, automotive, medical, aircraft, and other applications requiring electrical conductivity.

Adding high-performance conductive fillers into material formulations can increase the final product’s ability to conduct electrical current. For example, additives enhancing conductivity are used in rubber compound formulations to improve tires’ electrical conductivity. This improves static electric charge dissipation in tires, protecting electronic circuitry and preventing sparks during refuelling.

Conductive carbon blacks

Conductive carbon black is a unique carbon black variant offering higher electrical conductivity. It consists of 99% amorphous carbon, and its structure and the porosity of its crystalline particles make it electrically conductive. Several conductive carbon black brands are available, each tailored for specific applications.

For example, Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader based in The Netherlands, produces Ketjenblack, a highly pure carbon black variant. It enhances electro-conductivity in polymers, thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers.

Ketjenblack stands out by offering superior conductivity with a lower loading quantity compared to conventional carbon black, as shown in the comparison graphic below. Just one-third of the Ketjenblack quantity can achieve the same conductivity as other carbon black additives. This lower loading facilitates processing and minimizes impact on mechanical properties.

Ketjenblack comes in different grades to meet the requirements of specific applications. For instance, Ketejenblack EC-300J has a very low ash content, making it a preferred material in cable shielding and for producing conductive coatings.  For more demanding applications, Ketjenblack EC-600JD offers the same conductivity at approximately half the loading.

Photo credit: Lion Specialty Chemicals Company

As a leading raw materials and specialty chemicals distributor, H.M. Royal is a trusted provider of conductive carbon black from Nouryon.  Check out the range of conductive additives on our website or contact us to help you choose the right filler to add conductivity properties to product formulations.  You can also email us at info@hmroyal.com. Find out more about the products we represent at www.hmroyal.com.