Mechnano (Mesa, Ariz., U.S.), in partnership with Bomar (Torrington, Conn., U.S.), has developed a E35B+ masterbatch in Bomar’s BR-952 oligomer, specifically designed for formulators in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry. The masterbatch uses Mechnano’s technology, D’Func (discrete, dispersed and functionalized carbon nanotubes), that enables AM resin development with improved mechanical and nano-uniform electrical performance.
“Mechnano’s product development team is committed to improving our technologies and AM solutions,” says Mechnano director of applications and technology Dr. Olga Ivanova. “This dedication has led to the development of a new masterbatch that delivers excellent results while requiring a smaller quantity in the final resin formula, making it more cost-effective.”
E35B+ offers 2.5 times higher carbon nanotube (CNT) concentration compared to Mechnano’s original E35A ESD masterbatch, according to the company. It is particularly suitable for the development of SLA, DLP or jettable 3D printing resins that require rigidity and high tensile strength. With adjustable resistivity ranging from 106-1010 Ω, E35B+ promotes absence of carbon trails and can be incorporated into a formula without the need for high shear mixing.
“This new, more highly concentrated dispersion by Mechnano should improve the versatility of this product and further enable ESD resins for a wide range of applications,” says David Robitaille, global brand director for Bomar.
E35B+ offered by Mechnano makes use of its distinctive D’Func process. The process is designed to address the issue of clumped and roped CNTs in materials, ultimately improving mechanical and electrical performance. By minimizing these clumps and functionalizing CNTs, Mechnano checks that its masterbatches provide stable CNT dispersions. This is crucial, as dispersions of clumped CNTs are known to negatively impact mechanical properties of materials, leading to inferior part performance. E35B+ can be obtained directly from Mechnano or Bomar.
Read the original article on CompositesWorld.
